This was heard at the Roodepoort Theatre on Sunday afternoon during a memorial service organized by the Don Mattera Legacy Foundation.
Donato Francesco Mattera has been lauded for the impact he made as a prolific poet, a celebrated journalist and one that was dedicated to South Africa’s fight for freedom. Scores of friends, family and colleagues filled the Roodepoort Theatre on Sunday afternoon to pay tribute to the poetic legend. Poet, Lebo Mashile, says Mattera played a major role in her professional career as well as her life, and that he will always be remembered for his loving soul.
Jenny Jafta, from the Don Mattera Legacy Foundation – who has known Mattera for several years – has vowed to keep his legacy alive. “The challenge is this, by your presence here today you share in this legacy of Don Mattera because he has given us wonderful gifts. He has given us the gifts of compassion, care and love and humanity and kindness and what better way to honour him than by living these gifts as we go forward,” Jafta adds.