Mourners bid farewell to the late Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima

 Traditional leadership in the country mourned the death of  Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima.

Matanzima was the founder of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders and served as a Chairperson for many years.

Mourners and government officials continue to flood the home of the late Chief Matanzima

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.