In a statement issued by The South African Royal Princesses Network says they are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“He was an icon, isithwalandwe who made an instrumental contribution to the Institution of Traditional Leadership and moral regeneration. He was a custodian of culture who committed his life to the improvement of the living conditions of the people in the rural areas as well as access to education of the rural youth.”[/perfectpullquote]
Form inception in 2019, he has was one of the supporters of the South African Royal Princesses Network, a progressive association of Royal Princesses from various parts of South Africa who are committed to contributing productively in the upliftment of their communities and broader South Africa, playing an active role in rural, youth and cultural development, promotion of unity in a diversity of cultures, in the fight against Gender Based Violence and empowerment of women and children.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The South African Royal Princesses Network said “with our partners in the fight against GBV Kuhluka Movement, meetings were held with Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima in 2021 to discuss means and ways to tackle Gender Based Violence as well as the progressive role Princesses can play in their communities to make a difference in the lives of rural people. Plans were underway to meet, discuss and identify programs in this regard. He was always a phone call away ready to impart words of wisdom, encouragement and vision. As a Princess Network we lost a father, a mentor and a guardian.”[/perfectpullquote]
SARPN says “Nkosi Matanzima was a leader of principle, a seasoned diplomat, an orator who took pride in his cultural identity and language, a gentle giant, bold and yet humble leader, South Africa and the traditional leadership at large have lost a true patriot who leaves a huge legacy behind.”
We send our deepest condolences to the Matanzima family and the entire Thembu nation. May Zondwa’s soul rest in peace. Umsebenzi omhle uwenzile. Uphumle ngoxolo Dlomo.