The nation mourns the death of legend Don Mattera
Dr Don Mattera passes away on Mandela Day, and he will forever be celebrated for the legacy that he has left behind for generations to come.
Yesterday the country learnt about the death of award-winning poet, journalist, author, community and anti-apartheid activist Don Mattera.
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The legend passed away at his home in Protea Glen, Soweto at the age of 87.
This sad news comes after the weekend when the Joburg Theatre celebrated 60 years and had just honoured Mattera with a star at the entrance of the theatre.
Over the years he has been honoured with many awards, this includes the Steve Biko Prize for his autobiography titled Memory is the Weapon and his most recent 2022 Artfluence Human Rights Award.
Mattera worked as a journalist at The Sunday Times, The Weekly Mail which is now Mail & Guardian and The Sowetan.
He held an honorary Doctorate (Dlit) degree in Literature from the University of Natal and he had received fellowships from Sweden and America.
During the apartheid era, Mattera helped to form the Union of Black Journalists, as well as the Congress of South African writers.
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Mattera has always gone back to his roots in Westbury and Sophiatown where he grew up and was part of many movements and advocated against gangsterism and the senseless killings in the area.
In January 2020, the Don Mattera Legacy Foundation was launched in Eldorado Park to recognize the immense contribution Mattera has made in the realm of arts, journalism and the country’s freedom.
Many sent their heartfelt condolences to the Mattera family.
The chairperson of the portfolio committee on sport, arts and culture, Beauty Dlulane said: “He lived a fulfilled life and well-known beyond the circles of writing.
His pen was able to touch so many lives, and many more were touched by his humility. The man stayed true to his calling, and it rewarded him.”
“The soft-spoken giant is no more; South Africa has lost one of her prominent and illuminous literary giants. It is hard to think of a sector that will not be affected by his passing.”
Speaker of City of Joburg Cllr Vasco da Gama also said: “He was respected widely for his work in activism and for fighting for the rights of the underprivileged during the Apartheid period.
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His legacy will live on in the foundation he created for the communities of Westbury, Ennerdale, Bosmont and Eldorado Park.
As Mattera said, ‘the highest religion is compassion.’ Our heartfelt condolences to his friends, family, and the communities he worked in so actively and tirelessly.”
The legend Dr Mattera was laid to rest last night at the Westpark Ceremony.
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