Staff Reporter.
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has sent its condolences following the death of Inkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, who passed away on Tuesday after a long illness.
Matanzima was one of the founding members of Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders (ECHTL).
Committee chairperson, Inkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, said Matanzima was a repository of traditional knowledge, family genealogy and history of the AbaThembu nation.
“During the recent oversight visit of the committee to the Eastern Cape, his encyclopaedic knowledge of the area of Gwatyu provided valuable insights into the history and struggles of the area, and the committee gained a lot from its interaction with him,” Mandela said.
He said Matanzima imparted rich and valuable traditional knowledge, which enriched oral history, “[which] still needs to be documented and kept safe for future generations”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of ooMadiba and the entire AbaThembu nation in this very difficult time of bereavement. Inkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima will be sorely missed by his family, friends, his community and the entire AbaThembu nation. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Mandela said.
The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) described Matanzima was a well-respected traditional leader held in high regard for his moral values and ethical leadership.
The committee said Matanzima 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 that there is harmony between traditional leadership and the modern democratic system of government.
“As a patriot who was driven by a deep love for the people, he remained as a leader who led from the front. The loss of Inkosi Matanzima is a loss of history and a fountain of knowledge that will leave a void in the traditional leadership circles. The committee wishes to comfort ooMadiba, ooZondwa, ooYemYem, and wishes this wise leader a peaceful rest.”
Meanwhile Deputy President David Mabuza says the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders remains an embodiment of South Africa’s collective history, heritage and the common thread of national identity.
In his address at the opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders on Thursday, the Deputy President said the House is an important affirmation of the constitutional and democratic dispensation that embeds the leadership role of traditional leaders in society.
“It is an opportunity to reflect, and shape collective action towards resolving complex developmental issues confronting traditional communities,” the Deputy President said.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mabuza said government looks to the partnership with the institution of traditional and Khoi-San leadership to sharpen its efforts of economic recovery and reconstruction.
That is why as social partners, we must solidify our partnerships and collaboration in driving COVID-19 vaccination in order to get the country back to normalcy, and open up the economy to reverse the losses caused by the impact of Coronavirus.”
The Deputy President said he has no doubt that with the economic recovery and reconstruction measures that government is implementing, these challenges will ultimately be overcome.
He said the role of traditional leaders should never be limited only to ceremonial and cultural responsibilities, but should be seen in the broader context of the daily struggles of ordinary people in the search for a better quality of life, access to economic opportunities, improved infrastructure for service delivery, as well as quality health and education outcomes.
He called on traditional leaders to see themselves as catalysts and agents of change to bring about better development outcomes in areas under the jurisdiction of traditional leadership.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has established an Inter-Ministerial Task Team to respond to issues raised over the years by traditional leaders.
Mabuza said the task team will endeavour to address all the issues raised by the institution of traditional and Khoi-San leaders over the years, in order to advance development in their respective communities.
The task team is chaired by the Deputy President and comprises the Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Public Works and Infrastructure; Police; Mineral Resources and Energy; Finance; Health; Sport, Arts and Culture, and Justice and Correctional Services.