The sports fraternity is mourning the death of legendary sports broadcaster and commentator Dumile Mateza. His passing has sent shockwaves across the country and messages of condolence have been pouring in for his family.
Read More: Tributes Pour In For eNCA's Sports Anchor Sandile kaNqose
Read More: Tributes Pour In For eNCA's Sports Anchor Sandile kaNqose
Mateza cemented his name as one of the most respected sports commentators in the industry. His carer spanned several decades and he was a force to be reckoned with in the industry. The sports broadcaster joined the SABC in the early 90's and became a household name with a legion of fans. He participated in commentary during the 1995 Rugby World Cup when South Africa won the coveted trophy
His death has left a huge void in the sports fraternity. According to several media reports, Mateza had been unwell for some time before succumbing to cancer. His family confirmed his passing to TimesLIVE:
"Our beloved succumbed to cancer on February 1 2022. His passing brings an end to a remarkable career in sports, news actuality and magazine broadcasting. Dumile will be sorely missed by his wife, children and extended family.
"The Mateza family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all who carried them during the time Dumile was fighting for his life. When a loved one passes on, we are never prepared for the pain and grief.
"Lala ngoxolo Nala." Several celebs and Twitter users have taken to Twitter to remember the late sports commentator and pay tribute to him. "@MdludlaSihle tweeted "A consummate broadcaster who was I a league of his own. He provided commentary in various sporting codes and in different languages. I particularly enjoyed his boxing commentary uNkabi. #RIPDumileMateza."
@hlubizer tweeted "As a sports enthusiast since I was a kid. My first sporting role model was a commentator in late Phillip "Babayi" Zwane of Radio Zulu. He was so knowledgeable. By the time I started watching the likes of Dumile Mateza, I was already sold on their craft. #RIPDumileMateza."
As a sports enthusiast since I was a kid. My first sporting role model was a commentator in late Phillip "Babayi" Zwane of Radio Zulu. He was so knowledgeable. By the time I started watching the likes of Dumile Mateza, I was already sold on their craft. #RIPDumileMateza
— Tat'uRadebe (@hlubizer) February 2, 2022
A consummate broadcaster who was I a league of his own. He provided commentary in various sporting codes and in different languages. I particularly enjoyed his boxing commentary uNkabi. #RIPDumileMateza pic.twitter.com/Fmqb63G8q7
— S B Mdludla Esq (@MdludlaSihle) February 2, 2022
Speaking at his memorial service, his wife Masechaba Shai, expressed how heartbroken she was following the actor's untimely passing. "I am humbled by the support and love that you have been giving us. Patrick behaved like a child and my job was to ground him. I want to say all of you judging him, you need to start judging yourself first. This pain is deep. Very deep. I want you guys to understand, it is deep… He loved my kids with all his heart. He was a father first, he was a husband, he was a caretaker. He carried us. We were not perfect and he was not perfect. Being on TV doesn’t make you perfect,” she said.
May their soul rest in peace.
Image Cred: Twitter
May their soul rest in peace.
Image Cred: Twitter