The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs mourns the passing of Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima. Nkosi Matanzima was one of the pillars of ubukhosi in the country. He’s among amaKhosi who founded both the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) and the Eastern Cape Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, and was among the first members of the NHTKL when it was founded in 1997.
He immensely contributed to the work of the NHTKL where he also served as the Chairperson of the Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development. His views and inputs were always constructive towards reaching an appropriate and progressive resolution. Nkosi Matanzima will also be remembered for his deep understanding of the customs and customary law of abaThembu, and he was always available to give guidance on the history, customs and customary law of abaThembu.
Even in his old age, Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima remained active in the affairs of the community. After serving the Eastern Cape Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders as Chairperson for two terms, he went on to become the Chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Movement in the Eastern Cape under the Office of the Premier. The saying that a soldier dies with the boots tight on their feet is correct and personifies Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima. Indeed, Nkosi Matanzima has finished his race, having served the people of South Africa with flying colours. Our condolences to the abaThembu baseRhode and the Eastern Cape Provincial Government
May his Soul rest in eternal peace. Lala kakuhle Dlomo, Madiba. Ahh, Ngangomhlaba!
