The traditional leadership in the country is mourning the death of a popular traditional leader in the Eastern Cape, Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima.
Matanzima was the founder of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders and served as a Chairperson for many years.
He passed away late on Tuesday at his home in Qamata at the age of 78, following complications with his lungs and breathing problems.
Mourners and government officials continue to flood the home of the late Chief Matanzima.
Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima has passed on. My condolences. The House of Tembu is mourning . Thank you Mntanenkosi . Your advices during the then Transkei Military Govt will always be remembered . We will miss your pure Xhosa when addressing gatherings . What a loss . RIP. pic.twitter.com/2jFt4bHfbl
— Bantu Holomisa (@BantuHolomisa) February 22, 2022
Matanzima was a brother to the former Transkei President, Chief Kaiser Daliwonga Matanzima known as KD Matanzima.
He also served as a minister in the former Transkei. At the time of his death, he was the Chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Movement under the Office of the Premier.
Prince Themba Mathanzima says: “We are devastated, we did not expect this, we did not know that this would come soon. We knew that my brother was not very well but when it came it’s like it came very soon without expecting this death.”
Matanzima was at the forefront fighting against the death of initiates in the Eastern Cape province.
He has been described as a person who championed community development, particularly in rural areas.
Grandson Bovulengwe Mtirara says: “He played a very big role in developing agriculture in this part of the province and developing people’s minds and developing so many roads and the schools. There’s even a centre around here that has been built from his foundation.”
Son Melisizwe Thambekile says: “He has taught us many things in life, he never raised a voice when you have done something wrong he will call you and speak with you in a polite manner.”
Chief Matanzima will be laid to rest on the fourth of March. The provincial government is expected to make an application for a State Funeral.
