By Zuko Komisa
Don Mattera, a renowned South African poet, author, and anti-apartheid activist, has passed away.
His family has confirmed his passing.

The 87-year-old poet was honoured by the City of Johannesburg on Saturday as part of the 60th-anniversary celebrations.
He was recently honoured with the 2022 Artfluence Human Rights Award for his commitment to human rights and community development.
Mattera was born in Johannesburg’s Western Native Township in 1935; it is now known as Westbury.
He was well-known for his poetry and criticism of the anti-apartheid government.
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Tributes have begun to pour in for the legendary poet on social media.
The South African Muslim Network is saddened by the passing away of iconic South African poet, author and anti-apartheid political activist Dr Don Mattera (Muhammad Umarruddin). May the Almighty accept his efforts.
— SAMNET (@SAMNET786) July 18, 2022
إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ pic.twitter.com/5yJzlrN5iG
The legendary poet Omaruddin Don Mattera has passed on. This comes days after the @joburgtheatre unveiled a star at the entrance for this world renowned human rights champion. #RIPDonMattera #ChampionSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/7DraJYTJxv
— ChampionSouthAfrica (@ChampionSAfrica) July 18, 2022
“Remember to call at my grave when freedom finally walks the land.” Don Mattera.
— Karabo K. Kgoleng (@KaraboKgoleng) July 18, 2022
“Let the children decide…”
— aasif 🇵🇸 (@aasifbulbulia) July 18, 2022
May Allah be pleased with His servant, Omaruddin “Don” Mattera. May He expand for him his qabr and fill it with nur. May He grant him an abode in Jannatul Firdous, wherein his words may appear as full orchards for him. May his light shine on. pic.twitter.com/KFufJHE34l
The Tambo Foundation is devastated to learn of the passing of veteran poet & activist, Don Mattera. Mattera leaves behind an incredible body of work spanning decades.
— Tambo Foundation (@TamboFoundation) July 18, 2022
“I would like to be remembered as a man who loved his country & his people.”
May the soul of this giant RIP. pic.twitter.com/MqsMIqGrts
Kaya 959 Reporter Katleho Sekhoto put together an Arts Report on the life and times of Bab’ Don Mattera.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO HERE:
*Disclaimer: The following audio contains explicit language and is suitable for children.
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