AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
SOUTH Africans from all walks of life have paid tributes to and celebrated the extraordinary life of Don Mattera, the poet, author, cultural activist and community leader who passed away after a short illness.
Mattera – 87 – was buried at the Heroes Acre at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to Mattera, who was honoured in 2006 by the government with the Order of the Baobab for his “excellent contribution to literature, achievement in the field of journalism and striving for justice in South Africa”
President Ramaphosa said: “As a nation, we are saddened by the loss of Don”
Mattera’s eloquent, rousing and revolutionary voice for justice. As we observe International Nelson Mandela Day, we remember Bra Don as a patriot, who in the spirit of this commemorative day, did what he could, with what he had, where he was. May his soul rest in peace as, in his own prose, he sleeps the sleep of freedom.”
Fellow poet Lebo Mashile paid a warm tribute to Mattera on Twitter: “Dr Donato Monnapula Mattera, aka Bra Don, aka Bra Zinga, poet, gangster, activist, Muslim, Pan-African, orator, journalist, playwright, & human encyclopedia. My life would be impossible without yours. Sending love to your family that shared you so generously with the world. RIP.”
The Tambo Foundation said it was devastated to learn of the passing of the veteran poet & activist. Mattera, the Foundation said, left behind an incredible body of work spanning decades.
By Don Mattera
Remember to call at my grave
When freedom finally
Walks the land
That I may rise
To tread familiar paths
To see broken chains
Fallen prejudice
Forgotten injury
Pardoned pains
And when my eyes have filled their sight
Do not run away for fright
If I crumble to dust again
It will only be the bliss
Of a long-awaited dream
That bids me rest
When freedom finally walks the land…
Remember
We are saddened by the loss of Don Mattera’s eloquent, rousing & revolutionary voice for justice. As we observe International Nelson #MandelaDay, we remember Bra Don as a patriot, who in the spirit of this commemorative day, did what he could, with what he had, where he was. pic.twitter.com/UgrHP6PPLb
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 18, 2022
Gauteng mourns the passing of renowned author, poet, and activist, Dr Don Mattera #RIPDonMattera pic.twitter.com/omCDFFCmXF
— GautengGov (@GautengProvince) July 18, 2022
