If people can go to heaven only because of their good work, humility, peace-loving and God-fearing nature and respect for others irrespective of their status, Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima would qualify.
Parliament’s portfolio committee on co-operative governance and traditional affairs says it is saddened by the death of one of the founding members of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima at the age of 79.
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.
MPs said he was a respected traditional leader held in high regard for his moral values and ethical leadership.
“He has also been hailed as a wise leader and a reservoir of wisdom who was always readily available to share his wisdom with the people in the AbaThembu nation in the Eastern Cape and nationally.
“He was a selfless patriot, a symbol of morality and respect who always looked for common ground and ensured there is harmony between traditional leadership and the modern democratic system of government.
“The loss of Nkosi Matanzima is a loss of history and a fountain of knowledge that will leave a void in traditional leadership circles.”
CAUSE OF DEATH
After a long illness, respected traditional leader Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima of the Western Tembu clan has died. The cause of death has not been clearly revealed, except that he died peacefully in his home.
Ngangomhlaba Matanzima Age
Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima was 79 years old as of the time of his death.
Ngangomhlaba Matanzima Brother
Matanzima was the brother of former Transkei president KD Matanzima, died at his Nogate home near Cofimvaba on Tuesday morning, the local Dispatch newspaper reported. They’re cousins to Mandela.
Where is Transkei now
Under the South African constitution that abolished the apartheid system, Transkei was reincorporated into South Africa in 1994 as part of the newly created Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Ngangomhlaba Matanzima Funeral
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.