James Matthews Biography: Controversy, Awards, Net Worth, Age, Parents, Siblings, Nationality, Ethnicity, Religion

James Matthews, born on May 24, 1929, in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, South Africa, was a renowned poet, writer, and journalist who gained prominence through his powerful articulation of the Black Consciousness philosophy and his unwavering commitment to social justice.

His first published collection of poetry, Cry Rage, co-authored with Gladys Thomas in 1972, became the first poetry collection to be banned by the apartheid regime, solidifying Matthews‘ status as a voice of resistance against oppression.

Profile

• Full name: James David Matthews
• Date of birth: May 24, 1929
• Date of death: September 7, 2024
• Age at death: 95 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Profession: Poet, writer, journalist
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Working-class parents (names not provided)
• Siblings: Eldest of six children
• Spouse: N/A
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: N/A
• Religion: Christianity
• Ethnicity: Black South African
• Net worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

James David Matthews was born on May 24, 1929, in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, as the eldest of six children. He attended school in District Six, a vibrant and diverse community that suffered heavily from government regulations and forced removals during apartheid.

Due to financial constraints, Matthews left school after completing standard seven (equivalent to grade 9) and took on various jobs, including newspaper boy, office messenger, clerk, and telephonist.

Personal Life

Details about James Matthews‘ personal life, including information about a spouse or children, are not readily available. Known for his fondness for alcohol in his earlier years, Matthews became sober in the early 1990s and found solace in Christianity.

He described himself as having a close relationship with Jesus Christ, attending church once a month and reading the Bible daily.

Career

Matthews began his writing career at the age of 17, with his first works published in 1946. He worked as a journalist for various national newspapers, including Golden City Post, The Cape Times, and Drum, as well as the independent community newspaper Muslim News.

His creative writing, particularly his poetry and short stories, delved into the experiences of the working class in Cape Town and the townships of the Cape Flats.

In 1972, he co-authored Cry Rage with Gladys Thomas, a collection that became the first poetry book to be banned by the apartheid regime. Despite censorship and personal hardships, including detention in 1976 and a 13-year denial of a passport, Matthews remained steadfast in his literary and activist pursuits.

He established the first black-owned art gallery in Cape Town and founded BLAC (Black Literature, Arts & Culture), a publishing house aimed at providing a platform for black South African writers.

Awards and Accolades

• Woza Afrika Award (1978): Recognized for his contributions to South African literature.
• Kwaza Honours List – Black Arts Celebration, Chicago (1979): Honored for his impact on black arts and culture.
• Freeman of Lehrte and Nienburg, Germany (1982): Awarded honorary citizenship for his literary achievements.
• Order of Ikhamanga in Silver (2004): Bestowed by the South African government for his excellent achievements in literature, contributions to journalism, and inspirational commitment to the struggle for a non-racial South Africa.
• Honorary Doctorates: Received from the University of the Western Cape (2013) and Rhodes University (2016) in recognition of his literary and activist contributions.

Net Worth

James Matthews‘ net worth at the time of his death was estimated around $10 million.

Death

James Matthews passed away on September 7, 2024, at the age of 95, at his home in Athlone, Cape Town.

Controversy

Throughout his life, Matthews faced significant challenges due to his outspoken opposition to apartheid. His works were frequently banned, and he was detained in 1976.

Additionally, he was denied a passport for 13 years, isolating him from international audiences and opportunities. Despite these adversities, Matthews remained unwavering in his commitment to social justice and literary expression.

Social Media

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Filmography

In 2014, Shelley Barry directed Diaries of A Dissident Poet, a documentary profiling James Matthews, which premiered at the Encounters Film Festival in South Africa.