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Kaiser Matanzima

Chief Kaiser Daliwonga Matanzima, often misspelled as Mathanzima (15 June 1915 – 15 June 2003), was the long-term leader of Transkei.[3] In 1950, when South Africa was offered to establish the Bantu Authorities Act, Matanzima convinced the Bhunga to accept the Act. The Bhunga were the council of Transkei chiefs, who at first rejected the Act until 1955 when Matanzima persuaded them.matanzima was born unto the Qamata village at cofimvaba by Mhlobo and nogate Matanzima,he attend university of forthare know then as the college along his cousin Dalibhunga Mandela

Kaiser Mathanzima

Botha Sigcau
Zwelibanzi Maneli Mabandla (Acting)

Position established

George Matanzima

Position established

Position abolished

Kaiser Daliwonga Mathanzima

15 June 1915
Qamata, Cape, South Africa

15 June 2003 (aged 88)[1]
Queenstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Early life and education[edit]

Born in Qamata, Cape Province, a brother of George ,Ngangomhlaba Matanzima and a nephew of Nelson Mandela, Mathanzima spent part of his childhood at the homestead of Chief Falo Mgudlwa, a repository of Thembu history and lore.[4] He received the name Daliwonga (meaning "Maker of Majesty") upon reaching manhood as an "isikhahlelo" (praise name). Mathanzima studied law at Fort Hare University and completed his articles in the Transkei capital, Mthatha, in 1948. However, he never practiced law, instead, he involved himself in Thembu and Transkei politics.

Death[edit]

Mathanzima died in Queenstown on his 88th birthday. He received an official funeral, but not a state one as former allies and supporters had hoped. The continued mixed feelings toward him in South Africa were reflected in then President Thabo Mbeki's eulogy for him. Although Mathanzima was said to have been a harsh ruler, Mbeki looked at the positive legacies that Mathanzima left behind. Mbeki praised Mathanzima's dream of eliminating poverty in South Africa as well as seeing all South Africans citizens educated. [11] Others who spoke at Mathazima's funeral said they admired how he fought to see the recognition of traditional leaders in South Africa. Former South African President and Kaiser Mathanzima's Uncle, Nelson Mandela, was not in attendance for Mathanzima's funeral because he was in Dublin, Ireland for the opening ceremonies of the 2003 Special Olympics.[12]


Mathanzima's grandson, King Lwandile Zwelenkosi Matanzima, ruler of Western Thembuland of Eastern Cape, died on 22 May 2010.[13]