The legendary Don Mattera was honoured at a memorial service at Roodepoort Theatre on Sunday, 24 July 2022. Two days before his passing, Mattera was honoured with a star tile at the entrance of Joburg Theatre as part of its jubilee celebrations. The Member of Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Ronald Harris, said Mattera had compassion for people.
The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Mpho Phalatse, said she regretted not meeting Mattera. “There is so much violence and cruelty in our world today, particularly in the areas where Don Mattera was passionate about, and we could do more with a little more compassion. Compassion for one another and for our communities. He reminded us that the highest religion is compassion.”
One of Mattera’s grandchildren described the poet as her business partner and someone who shared his family with the community. “My grandfather made us learn how to be with everyone. It is not about blood or your DNA but about the ethos we share as human beings.”
The memorial service was a celebration of poetry and a great poet who lived and graced the South African soil. His poems were recited by almost every speaker from his books. International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor, poet Lebo Mashile, musician Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse and actress and singer Abigail Kubeka were among those who paid tribute to Mattera.
26/07/2022