Remembering Dumile Mateza, South Africa's broadcasting legend

Iconic South African sports commentator and broadcaster Dumile Mateza became a household name thanks to his endearing persona, deep sporting knowledge and multilingualism. Dumile passed away in early 2022, but his fans and loved ones continue to keep his memory alive.

Key takeaways

• Dumile Mateza was a beloved commentator, sports broadcaster and administrator who possessed a deep love for boxing in particular.
• His career began in the 1980s, but Dumile rose to prominence in the early to mid-90s through his passion for sport and multilingual capabilities.
• Dumile Mateza's death in early 2022 sent shockwaves throughout South Africa and the rest of the world, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and fans.

Dumile Mateza's profile summary

Dumile Mateza was a respected sports broadcaster and commentator stalwart

By the time of his passing, Dumile was a household name in South Africa, having appeared on local TV screens for decades. His broadcasting career kicked off in the early 1980s after becoming a language advisor at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

The 1980s saw Dumile start working as an isiXhosa newsreader at the broadcasting company, and in 1982, he moved to the SABC's sports department as a producer too.

He worked as a commentator for both radio and television at this time, and Dumile's coverage of the 1995 Rugby World Cup in Afrikaans, which the Springboks went on to win, solidified him as a respected, multi-faceted commentator.

Dumile's impressive broadcasting career spanned over 30 years

Most of the South African commentator's career was within the SABC, with his fluency in isiXhosa, English, and Afrikaans making him a respected figure to his peers and those who came to know and love him on their small screens.

He worked for the SABC as an independent contractor until 2018, the end of his tenure, and was a part of the Boxing South Africa board before his passing. Dumile was known for his love of boxing, along with current affairs.

He studied at Wits Business School and was a teacher before becoming a broadcaster

Before becoming the commentator South Africans grew to know and love, Dumile was a teacher. He became a teacher soon after leaving Newell High School in 1979, and served as acting principal for a time. He also taught at Joubertina (in the Langkloof) but soon left to join the SABC. He studied at Wits Business School, although his qualifications are not specified.

Dumile hails from Kareedouw, Eastern Cape, and grew up impoverished

Dumile was born in Kareedouw, Eastern Cape, with no information on his parents, as his grandparents, Phillip Gundu Mateza and Annie NoTight Mateza, raised him. They raised Dumile within a strictly religious household and were a part of the Ethiopian Episcopal Church.

The broadcasting legend grew up in poverty alongside his sister, Nomathemba Mateza, with him wearing clothing made from maize meal sacks sewn together by his grandmother. However, his circumstances changed following his SABC career path.

The broadcasting legend was 62 when he passed away from cancer

Dumile passed away at age 62 on February 1, 2022, after an extended battle with colon cancer. His family believed that the fire which engulfed Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in 2021 may have added to his challenges while sick. Speaking to SowetanLIVE, his cousin Luyolo Mateza said:

'He did tests at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital before the fire and ended up going to a clinic for pain management. He ended up testing again at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, which confirmed that he had cancer and that it had already spread.'

Dumile's former colleague and friend, Mandisa Titi, reiterated the family's thoughts, expressing:

'It is the belief of the family that his life could have been elongated, had he been diagnosed earlier. We are not God, and we are not saying he would not have died. We are saying he may have lived a little longer.'

Frequently asked questions

Who is the wife of Dumile Mateza?

Dumile Mateza’s wife is Xoliswa Mateza, although little is known about her life. Dumile is survived by his wife, Xoliswa, and his daughters, Nandi Mateza and Tutula Mateza. The family gathered at Bryanston Methodist Church to pay tribute to him during his funeral, with his daughter, Tutula, light-heartedly paying tribute to his impact on her growing up:

'I think the best thing my father taught me was speaking. I was a terrible speaker, and the first time I asked my father to help me with an oral, he said: "Tutula why do you speak in a monotone?"'

Is Mawande Mateza related to Dumile Mateza?

Eyewitness News (EWN) reporter and sports anchor Mawande Mateza shares a surname and love for sports commentary with Dumile, leading some to speculate that they may be related. However, there is no public information to confirm a familial relationship, and neither party have publicly discussed the topic.

Final word

Dumile Mateza was not only a success story regarding making a name for himself despite his underprivileged upbringing. He was also a well-respected and loved commentator nationwide, uniting a nation during tough times through his multilingual versatility and warm nature, with its ripple effect lingering long after his untimely passing.

READ MORE: Robert Marawa's biography

Briefly.co.za wrote an article detailing the life of another beloved sports commentator, Robert Marawa. Robert is known for his valued insight and award-winning shows, which depict his valued insight and knowledge of sport.

Like Dumile, Robert also got his start on SABC, which began in 1996 when he was a continuity presenter on SABC's relaunch of SABC1. Since then, he has won numerous awards for his work, including at the Liberty Radio Awards and the South African Radio Awards.

Source: Briefly News