We remember the life and legacy of Don Mattera, who was a towering figure in South African literature, journalism and cultural history. Known affectionately as Bra Don, Mattera was a poet, activist and storyteller whose work captured the pain, resilience and dreams of a nation living under apartheid. Born Donato Francisco Mattera in Johannesburg, his identity reflected the rich complexity of South Africa itself - a heritage that apartheid tried to simplify, but could never erase. Through poetry, journalism and his autobiography Memory is the Weapon, Mattera showed that memory itself could become an act of resistance. His words documented the lives, struggles and hopes of ordinary people, ensuring that history would not forget them. Today we reflect on the legacy of a man who believed that culture could be a weapon, storytelling could be a form of freedom, and that the fight for justice continues through the stories we choose to remember. Joining us to unpack the life, work and enduring influence of Don Mattera is Apartheid Museum Curator of exhibitions & education at Apartheid Museum, Emilia Potenza. 

<p dir="ltr">We remember the life and legacy of Don Mattera, who was a towering figure in South African literature, journalism and cultural history. Known affectionately as Bra Don, Mattera was a poet, activist and storyteller whose work captured the pain, resilience and dreams of a nation living under apartheid. Born Donato Francisco Mattera in Johannesburg, his identity reflected the rich complexity of South Africa itself - a heritage that apartheid tried to simplify, but could never erase.&nbsp;Through poetry, journalism and his autobiography Memory is the Weapon, Mattera showed that memory itself could become an act of resistance. His words documented the lives, struggles and hopes of ordinary people, ensuring that history would not forget them.&nbsp;Today we reflect on the legacy of a man who believed that culture could be a weapon, storytelling could be a form of freedom, and that the fight for justice continues through the stories we choose to remember.&nbsp;Joining us to unpack the life, work and enduring influence of Don Mattera is Apartheid Museum Curator of exhibitions &amp; education at Apartheid Museum, Emilia Potenza.&nbsp;</p>

The best of POWER Up

At POWER 98.7, we invite you to join the conversation with Kea Ncube on every platform. Browse this selection of podcasts. Now we're talking.

<p>At POWER 98.7, we invite you to join the conversation with Kea Ncube on every platform. Browse this selection of podcasts. Now we're talking.</p>