Tribute to Nonyameko Patience Matanzima (1961-2026)

By Mziwandile Mpiti

Nonyameko Patience Matanzima born Mdutyana was the second born daughter of the late Bhaca Chief, Ngayibeki Nomtsheketshe Mdutyana and his Nomaza Sylvia Mdutyana who was one of the members who established the first democratic parliament of South Africa as a member of parliament after the 1994 elections. She was born at Mdlazi Great Place in Mpoza location Kwa Bhaca. Nonyameko Matanzima received her primary education at Mpoza Primary School and secondary education at Colana High School. She trained as a teacher at Shawbury College of Education. She later Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Fort Hare. She was married to the late Chief Zamilizwe Matanzima, the brother of late Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima who was Minister of Agriculture in the Transkei Government led by Matanzima brothers, Paramount Chief Kaiser Daliwonga Matanzima who was State President and Chief George Mzimvubu Matanzima who was Prime Minister of the then Transkei homeland. She taught at Ntabankulu Primary school where she tragically lost her life in a shooting incident at school by an ex colleague who was out on bail on charges laid against him. According to the last surviving brother of the princess, she was not the target. The assailant wanted the principal, the deputy principal and school governing body secretary who were not at school on the day. She found the teachers in a meeting discussing school nutrition issues. He said it is said the assailant asked the whereabouts of the principal. When the one of the deceased teachers answered that they are not at school as they were attending a meeting, he started shooting at the teachers and later turned the gun on himself in the classroom. She is survived by her brother Prince Mdutyana, her children Prince Mzuvukile Matanzima and Princess Mihlali Matanzima brother in law General Themba Matanzima retired Chief of South African Defence Force. She will buried on Saturday 31 January at Qamata Great Place Cofimvaba kwa Nogate the homestead of the Matanzima family. According to Prince Mdutyana only males will be allowed to attend the burial according to Thembu custom as her death was a violent one. The funeral service will be held at her homestead in Lady Frere, pass Makainek a few kilometres from Queenstown at Khavari location. Rest in Peace Zulu, Nofisa.