On Monday, Don Mattera, a Muslim author, and poet, was buried in accordance with Islamic customs.
The legendary poet has passed away, according to the family of well-known poet Don Mattera. The 87-year-old was an active opponent of apartheid and a prolific poet and author.
His memoir, Memories are weapons, praises Sophiatown’s life in the 1950s. He was arrested for eight years because of his outspoken opposition to apartheid.
The Congress of South African Writers is one of the literary organizations he founded. His passing occurs the same day as Nelson Mandela, another great, turns 90.
Who Was Don Mattera? His Death Cause
A day after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the field, Don Mattera passed away. His daughter and son came to represent him in accepting the honor.
The family declared his death in a statement. Donato Francisco Mattera was born in Westbury in 1935 and passed away quietly at his home in Protea Glen, Soweto, earlier today. However, the exact cause of death was not disclosed.
In the 1970s, Mattera got active in politics. Both the Congress of South African Writers and the Union of Black Journalists were founded with his assistance.
From 1973 until 1982, he was prohibited by the apartheid government due to his political activities. The National Forum, which opposed the United Democratic Front’s “racial exclusivity,” was where he joined after that.
Poetry and an autobiography titled Memory is the Weapon were both written by Mattera. He also wrote children’s books and plays. The Steve Biko prize was given to him for his autobiography. For The Sunday Times, The Weekly Mail (now Mail & Guardian), and Sowetan, Mattera worked as a journalist.
He was a well-liked motivational speaker and frequently asked to serve as master of ceremonies at various events. He had a DLitt in literature with honoris causa from the University of Natal.
Don Mattera Wife
Don Mattera was married to Maria (Arcucci) Mattera. The names of their five sons are Pasquale, Francesco, Antonio, Giovanni, and Giuseppe.
His grandfather raised Mattera as his own son. His father was categorized as Italian, but his mother was a Tswana domestic worker.
Because of his grandfather’s frequent anecdotes about his Italian origins, he enjoyed a genuinely multicultural childhood. He spoke fondly about the Sophiatown he had grown up in and how the 1962 expulsion had destroyed his sense of self in his poetry.
Because his grandmother wasn’t satisfied with the schools in their neighborhood, he received his education at St. Theresa’s Catholic Convent School in Durban.
Upon his return to Johannesburg, he joined Westbury’s gang culture and rose to the position of leader of the Vultures. However, under the guidance of Father Trevor Huddlestone, he changed his direction and began to concentrate on politics and the effort to save Sophiatown.
Don Mattera Age – How Old Was He?
Don Mattera died at the age of 87 years old. He was born in the year 1935.
As he became more politically aware, he joined the ANC Youth League. He was outlawed in 1973 and was placed under house arrest for more than eight years.
His poetry and other writing increased in quantity, and his work highlighted the political significance of memory, which was one of the concepts that influenced the black consciousness movement’s philosophical stance.
After the ban was repealed, he maintained his advocacy. He helped create several literary and cultural organizations, such as the African Writers Association and the Congress of South African Writers.