Silvertown Neighbourhood Watch has honoured the legacy of renowned anti-apartheid poet James Matthews, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 95.
On Wednesday 18 September, members of the neighbourhood watch hosted the memorial in Sandou Lane.
Matthews was a renowned poet and writer with some of his first pieces published when he was just 17 years old.
He started working as a journalist and wrote for a variety of publications such as the Golden City Post, the Cape Times and Drum magazine.
Matthews published his first poetry anthology in 1972, which was later banned under the regime of the time, before he was detained at Victor Verster Prison in 1976. Through his writing, he protested against the apartheid regime and raised consciousness around oppression in South Africa.
He later went on to own an art gallery in Cape Town and also established his own publishing company.
Matthews was a true artist, dedicated to giving other artists the platform to express their views. He gave life to many voices that were silenced in previous years.
The Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said: “It is always sad when we lose someone who had such a profound impact on the arts in our country. James Matthews was someone who fought for freedom of expression for writers and other artists. He was dedicated to his community and did reading groups at local schools for many years.”
Among those sending words of encouragement were President Cyril Ramaphosa and Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.
“As prolific and talented as James Matthews was, he was so much more than just a writer and poet; he was integral to the anti-apartheid movement, giving a powerful voice through his writing to the oppressed. He was an important part of our province and country’s artistic fabric.
“He will be sorely missed and his contribution rightly celebrated. I extend the condolences of myself and our whole government to James’ family, friends, loved ones and all those who knew him. We celebrate him and the lives that he touched. We also know that he lives on through the many other artists he inspired,” said Winde.
According to the neighbourhood watch, Matthews had been a mentor to many youth on many topics of debate.
“He always encouraged the youth to read widely. His home was open to many artists from all spheres. He ran his own art gallery- Gallery Afriq and publishing house – Blac many locals utilised these facilities during the apartheid era,” wrote the neighbourhood watch in a statement.
Matthews was also remembered for the numerous workshops at all levels of educational institutions and reading sessions at Bridgetown, Athlone and Rylands libraries as well as senior clubs.
Matthews’ talent was well loved, with him still practicing into his 80s.
His contribution and impact has also been memorialised in a Kewtown mural painted years ago.
Around 50 locals attended the memorial alongside family and friends. “The neighbourhood watch felt that because he did so much for our community, we had to have a tribute,” concluded the neighbourhood watch.
