Kaiser Matanzima

Kaiser Daliwonga Mathanzima (Matanzima) (15 June 1915 – 15 June 2003) was a leader of the Transkei in South Africa.

Biography

Born in Qamata, Eastern Cape, a nephew of Nelson Mandela, Mathanzima received the name Daliwonga (meaning "Maker of Majesty") upon reaching manhood as an "isikhahlelo" (praise name). Mathanzima studied law at Fort Hare University and completed his articles in the Transkei capital, Mthatha, in 1948. However, he never practised law, instead he involved himself in Thembu and Transkei politics.

Public service

Made paramount chief of the "Emigrant Thembus", a breakaway and sub-group to the Thembus, Mathanzima's support of the South African government's Bantu Authorities Act (1951), which looked to foster traditional African leadership structures, gave the Act credibility in the eyes of many chiefs, but saw him part ways with Mandela politically (although the two initially remained friends, with Mathanzima acting as best man at Mandela's wedding).

Controversy