Matanzima humbled by honorary doctorate
LONG-SERVING chairman of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima was awarded an honorary doctorate degree on Saturday by the Trinity Bible International University for his contribution to the promotion of culture and moral regeneration.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” the charismatic traditional leader told the Daily Dispatch during a telephonic interview moments after being honoured at the Apostle Faith Mission Church in Corsten in Port Elizabeth.
“I am humbled by the gesture. I never thought I would be considered for the prestigious honour. When you work you do so without looking for recognition.”
Matanzima, a father of five, was accompanied by his family. He described the honour as both a shock and inspiring at the same time saying it showed that if “you do something good, there are people watching your work”.
Apart from having served as the provincial chairman of the house of traditional leaders since 2002, he was also chosen to lead the moral regeneration programme in the province.
The university’s adjunct professor for accreditation, John Mbesi, who recommended Matanzima, described him as gentle and upright, saying he had contributed immensely towards agricultural development in the province.
“I also come from Cofimvaba and he was there when we were growing up as young children. He was this upright father. Many people [often] think [just] of politicians when conferring honorary doctorates.”
He said Matanzima, who is due to retire from his position in the house of traditional leaders later this month, was respected by everyone in Cofimvaba and throughout the Eastern Cape, even by young children.
“He is a role model for everyone,” he added.
Matanzima, who served as agricultural minister in the then Transkei bantustan, said although South Africa had attained its political freedom in 1994, it had yet to achieve freedom when it came to culture and languages.
“Our languages and customs are what make us who we are. If you look at how people conduct themselves nowadays, it is a clear indication that people no longer have what we call ubuntu.”
He cited crimes against women and children including rapes and murders saying they went against “our culture” which advocated respect of women.
“We also now have corruption but in our culture we believe it is wrong to take something without permission or illegally. We need to bring back those values if we are to prosper,” he said.