James Matthews. Picture: Ian Landsberg, Independent Newspapers
CAPE TOWN - Tributes have poured in for renowned Struggle poet and writer James Matthews, 95, who died in his sleep in Cape Town on Saturday.
Born in District Six, Matthews started work as a journalist, writing for a variety of publications including the Golden City Post and the Cape Times, as well as serving as the news editor of Cape Town’s Muslim News newspaper.
Notable was his powerful short story, Azikwelwa, published in 1958, from his debut short story collection, which had as its backdrop the bus boycott of 1957.
Matthews’ son Jimi said his father had been frail for the past few weeks and while it wasn’t completely unexpected, he said his death still came as a shock.
“We’re grateful that he died peacefully in his sleep, in his bed. And our view is that his time had come. He lived a long life, a very productive life and so we, as a family, accept that; it’s the nature of things.
“It’s been a bit hard because in the past two years, or 18 months, my sister passed away and a year ago my brother also passed away. Now my father, so it’s been a lot to process.
“He lived a very full life and we are thankful that he was not ill; he didn’t suffer. Basically, he died of old age,” Jimmy said.
Matthews’ published works include his first novel, The Party is Over (1997), set in 1960s Cape Town. In 1983 his short stories, The Park and Other Stories, were published.
Among his published poetry works were Cry Rage (1972), Black Voices Shout (1974), Pass Me a Meatball, Jones (1977), No Time for Dreams (1981), Poisoned Wells and Other Delights (1990), Flames and Flowers (2000), Poems from a Prison Cell (2002), Age is a Beautiful Phase (2008), and Gently Stirs My Soul (2015).
The Cape Cultural Collective’s Zenariah Barends described Matthews as a legend in poetry and writing, and a communicator on social issues such as race, class and apartheid in particular.
“He was one of those poets, when we were young activists, his poetry used to be recited or used in mass rallies and meetings.”
Former journalist and chief of the Khoisan People Group, Zenzile Khoisan, said it was a moment of sadness to come to terms with the news of the passing of the greatest inspirational figure in his life.
“He was the most incredible human being and most dedicated revolutionary who lived his life purpose and integrity,” said Khoisan.
Paying tribute, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “James Matthews’ 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.
“We will be comforted by the many works he has left for us to revisit and by our memories of his appearances at rallies, ghoembas, the front lines of street protests, and intimate circles of kindred creatives where, beret askew on his head, he would feed the souls and fighting spirit of those around him.”
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie said Matthews would be remembered as a poet of the people, a freedom fighter and a literary trailblazer.
“We pay tribute to a great man and may his great soul rest in peace,” McKenzie said.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said as prolific and talented as Matthews was, he was so much more than just a writer and poet.
“He was integral to the anti-apartheid movement, giving a powerful voice through his writing to the oppressed.”
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Ricardo Mackenzie, said: “James Matthews was someone who fought for freedom of expression for writers and other artists. He was dedicated to his community and did reading groups at local schools for many years.”