Pretoria - Condolences have poured in for the family of Joe Matthews, the late former Deputy Minister of Safety and Security and father of Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor.
The 81-year-old, who Nelson Mandela once described as "brilliant", passed away in hospital in Johannesburg on Thursday.
He was a long-time friend of Mandela and one of the early members of the ANC Youth League which Mandela co-founded in 1944. In a statement, the Nelson Mandela Foundation said Mandela regarded Matthews as a friend and a comrade and remained close to his family throughout his imprisonment and thereafter.
President Jacob Zuma has also extended his condolences to the family which he said continues to dedicate themselves selflessly to better the lives of all South Africans.
"We extend our condolences to the Mathews family during this time of loss and sadness. The loss of Joe is a loss for all South Africans who fought beside him and his father ZK Mathews for the freedom and equality of all in this country," he said.
Born in Durban on 17 June 1929, Mathews was one of the five children. After matriculating in 1947, Matthews attended the University College of Fort Hare. He graduated in 1950 with a BA in English and History. He completed his LLB Degree through London University as an external student while in exile.
After being awarded an MA in History at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, he moved to Botswana, where he became assistant secretary in the Office of Prime Minister Seretse Kham.
In 1972 he was appointed Attorney-General for Botswana, he later opened a private law practice in Gaborone which he ran until 1984 when he returned to the United Kingdom. In the late 1980's he lived in Canada and the Netherlands where he wrote articles for papers and journals. He returned to South Africa in 1991.
Matthews retired from Parliament in 2004 after having served as the Deputy Safety and Security Minister in the government of national unity following the first democratic elections in 1994.
Funeral arrangements are still being finalised, but he is expected to be buried in Cape Town.
