Muslim author and poet Don Mattera was buried in accordance with Islamic customs. He died when he was 87 years old.
In his autobiography, Memories are Weapons, he extols the 1950s in Sophiatown. His vehement opposition to apartheid led to his eight-year imprisonment.
Obituary: Don Mattera Death Cause -What Happened To The South African Poet?
Author and famous South African poet Don Matera has passed away. The family acknowledged his passing and promised to make a thorough statement soon.
The family announced his passing in a statement. Donato Francisco Mattera passed away peacefully earlier today at his home in Protea Glen, Soweto. He was born in Westbury in 1935. However, the precise reason for death was kept a secret.
Mattera became politically involved in the 1970s. He helped to create the Union of Black Journalists and the Congress of South African Writers.
He has received the 2022 Artfluence Human Rights Award for his dedication to advancing human rights and fostering a sense of community. As part of its 60th-anniversary festivities, the city of Johannesburg paid homage to him.
His son and daughter came to accept the award on his behalf.
Mattera published poetry as well as an autobiography titled Memory is the Weapon. He also produced plays and children’s books. He received the Steve Biko Award for his autobiography.
He was a famous motivational speaker and was usually asked to act as master of ceremonies on different occasions. He earned an honoris causa DLitt in literature from the University of Natal.
Who Is Don Mattera Wife Maria (Arcucci) Mattera
Maria (Arcucci) Mattera was the wife of Don Mattera. They have five children together.
According to the reports, Maria is between 60 and 65 years old. However, there is no trustworthy information available on her actual age.
Since she hasn’t been featured in the media frequently, there isn’t much information available on her.
She may be distraught right now over the death of her husband.
Everything About South African Poet Kids And Family
The five sons of Don Mattera and Maria Mattera are Pasquale, Francesco, Antonio, Giovanni, and Giuseppe.
According to his son, the Don Mattera Foundation at Eldorado Park was the brainchild of the Don Mattera family and friends. The foundation’s goals are to honor the illustrious freedom fighter and instruct young people.
His grandfather brought up Mattera as a son. Although his mother was a Tswana domestic worker, his father was classified as Italian.
His grandfather frequently told stories about his Italian heritage; thus, he had a very international upbringing. He bemoaned how the 1962 expulsion had ruined his writing and spoke fondly of the Sophiatown neighborhood where he had grown up.
He attended St. Theresa’s Catholic Convent School in Durban since his grandmother wasn’t happy with the local public schools.
After arriving back in Johannesburg, he joined the Westbury gang and eventually became the Vultures’ boss. Father Trevor Huddlestone, however, changed his course, encouraging him to focus on politics and the campaign to save Sophiatown.