By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: Dumile Mateza (left) and Malixole Gwatyu (Right), Photo Credit: Reza Clifford.
Veteran commentator Dumile known as ‘Phesheya Phaya’ Mateza has passed away at the age of 62.
His family confirmed his death and said he died peacefully.
“Our beloved succumbed to cancer on February 1 2022. His passing brings an end to a remarkable career in sports, news actuality and magazine broadcasting. Dumile will be sorely missed by his wife, children and extended family.
“The Mateza family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all who carried them during the time Dumile was fighting for his life. When a loved one passes on, we are never prepared for the pain and grief.
“Lala ngoxolo Nala.”
Mateza, who was born in Kareedouw in the Eastern Cape, became popular as a versatile sports commentator at the SABC in the early 1980s.
The former schoolteacher was renowned for his versatility – he was able to commentate in different South African languages, namely IsiXhosa, Afrikaans and English.
Mateza will be remembered for doing commentary in Afrikaans during the 1995 Rugby World Cup which the Springboks memorably won when they beat the All Blacks 15-12 in the final at Ellis Park.
He was also a former Boxing South Africa (BSA) board member.
The family will share details of the memorial service and funeral arrangements this week.
Bhuti Dumile Mateza was a distinguished sport broadcaster, writer, sport activist who stuck to his beliefs. Hamba Kakuhle Nala, Ndokose!