by Phenyo Selinda
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of South African literary giant and anti-apartheid activist, James Matthews, who passed away at the age of 95 in Cape Town on Saturday, 7 September 2024. Matthews, a highly regarded poet, writer, and cultural figure, was an Esteemed Member of the National Order of Ikamanga, an honour he received in 2004 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to South African literature and journalism.
In a statement, President Ramaphosa honoured Matthews’s legacy, saying, “James Matthews’s voice will ring in our consciousness following his departure, and we will remain captivated and inspired by the rage and elegance with which he articulated the stark struggles of the oppressed.” Ramaphosa praised Matthews’s lifelong commitment to social justice and his work to give a voice to the voiceless, both through his literature and his activism during the apartheid era.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde also conveyed his condolences, describing Matthews as “so much more than just a writer and poet,” highlighting his integral role in the anti-apartheid movement. Winde emphasised Matthews’s impact on South Africa’s artistic and political landscape, noting that his legacy will live on through the artists and activists he inspired.
James Matthews’s life journey began in District Six, Cape Town, where he was born into a working-class family. His early exposure to literature, while working as a newspaper messenger, sparked a lifelong passion for writing. His career as a poet, short story writer, and essayist was marked by his unyielding resistance to apartheid, which led to periods of detention and the revocation of his passport for over a decade. His works not only provided a powerful commentary on the social and political injustices of his time but also gave hope to many who fought for a non-racial South Africa.
Matthews’s legacy is one of courage, resistance, and an unwavering belief in the power of words to effect change. His passing marks the end of an era, but his works remain a lasting testament to his dedication to justice and equality.
Both President Ramaphosa and Premier Winde stressed that Matthews’s contributions to the fight against apartheid and his influence on South African culture will continue to inspire future generations.
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