Zachariah Keodirelang "ZK" Matthews (1901–1968)
Why Kimberley Matters
Over the years, we have noticed that many of our guests—whether visiting Kimberley for business or leisure—have wondered why this remarkable city has played such an important role in South Africa's history over the past 160 years.
These pages invite you on a coffee-table journey through Kimberley's past, from the discovery of the Eureka Diamond in 1867 and the Great Diamond Rush, through wars, political change and the rise of the world's diamond industry, to the city we know today. They are not intended to be an academic history, but rather an enjoyable introduction to the people, places and events that shaped Kimberley.
So, make yourself comfortable, pour a cappuccino or a cup of chai, and enjoy exploring the remarkable story of one of South Africa's most fascinating cities.
Professor Zachariah Keodirelang "ZK" Matthews and his daughters at a graduation ceremony at the University of Fort Hare, 22 April 1961. Image Source: Cory Library Image Collection.
Kimberley's Scholar, Statesman and Nation Builder
Professor Zachariah Keodirelang Matthews (commonly shortened to ZK Matthews) was one of South Africa's greatest scholars, educators and political leaders. Born in Kimberley in 1901, he became one of the country's first Black university graduates, a distinguished professor, lawyer, diplomat and leading figure in the African National Congress (ANC). Respected for his wisdom, moderation and intellectual leadership, Matthews helped shape many of the ideas that guided South Africa's long journey towards democracy.
ZK Matthews was born in Kimberley on 20 October 1901, the son of Peter Motsielwa Matthews and Martha Mooketsi Matthews. His father, a former mineworker who later owned a café, encouraged education and civic involvement. Politics was never far away: Matthews was a cousin of Sol Plaatje, one of the ANC's founding figures, and grew up in an environment where public affairs were regularly discussed. Although politics would later define much of his public life, his first passion was education.
A Pioneer in Higher Education
Matthews attended Lovedale before enrolling at the University College of Fort Hare. In 1923, he became the first Black African to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from a South African university. He continued breaking new ground by becoming the first Black South African to earn a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1930.
Further study took him abroad to Yale University in the United States, where he completed a Master's degree, and to the London School of Economics, where he studied anthropology under the renowned scholar Bronisław Malinowski. These achievements established Matthews as one of the leading Black intellectuals of his generation.
Voices for Social Change in Kimberley
Kgosi Galeshewe, Kgosi Jantjie & Kgosi Toto - defenders of land and independence
Olive Schreiner – novelist, feminist and social critic
Sol Plaatje – writer, journalist and founding political leader
Arthur & Mary Letele – medical pioneers and community leaders
ZK Matthews – educator, lawyer and constitutional thinker
Frances Baard – trade unionist and anti-apartheid activist
Robert Sobukwe – political thinker and pan-Africanist leader
Mittah Seperepere – organiser, diplomat and parliamentarian
Returning to South Africa, Matthews joined Fort Hare as a lecturer before becoming Professor of African Studies. Fort Hare was one of the country's leading institutions for Black higher education, and many of Africa's future leaders passed through its classrooms. Matthews earned widespread respect as an outstanding teacher, combining academic excellence with a deep concern for justice and public service.
Political Leadership
Although best known as an academic, Matthews also emerged as an important political leader within the African National Congress (ANC). He joined the ANC in the 1940s and became its President in the Cape Province.
Although firmly opposed to apartheid, Matthews believed lasting change required both principled resistance and constitutional reform.
His balanced approach helped bridge the differences between older ANC leaders and the younger generation demanding more direct action. In 1953, he proposed the idea that eventually became the Congress of the People, where the Freedom Charter was adopted in 1955—one of the most influential documents in modern South African history.
Professor Z.K. Matthews with his wife, Frieda Bokwe Matthews, and their three children at their home at Fort Hare, 1952. Colourised from the original black-and-white photograph. Source unknown.
Despite his international reputation, Matthews was arrested in December 1956 and became one of the accused in the long-running Treason Trial alongside many of the country's leading anti-apartheid figures. Although eventually acquitted, the experience reflected the increasingly difficult political climate of the time. In protest against the government's takeover of Fort Hare, Matthews resigned his professorship, sacrificing a substantial pension rather than compromising his principles.
International Service
In 1961, Matthews accepted an appointment with the World Council of Churches in Geneva, where he continued to support African development and human rights. Following Botswana's independence in 1966, President Sir Seretse Khama appointed him as Botswana's first Ambassador to the United States. He died while serving in Washington, D.C., in 1968 and was buried in Gaborone.
A Lasting Legacy
Professor Z.K. Matthews is remembered as one of southern Africa's great educators and public intellectuals. His legacy lives on through his published writings, his contribution to higher education, his influence on South African constitutional thinking, and the generations of leaders he inspired.
Closer to his birthplace, the Prof. Z.K. Matthews Hospital in Barkly West has borne his name since 2003, honouring one of the Northern Cape's most distinguished sons.
Did You Know?
Z.K. Matthews proposed the idea that became the Congress of the People, where The Freedom Charter was adopted in 1955—one of the defining documents of modern South African democracy.
The Freedom Charter was adopted in 1955—one of the defining documents of modern South African democracy.
Prof ZK Matthews
Z.K. Matthews on Africa
Z.K. Matthews on Africa
"The continent of Africa is a large slice of the world, and in terms of human and natural resources is an area which can no longer be ignored whatever the position may have been in the past. The peace and security of the modern world demand that the problems of Africa emergent should be tackled with energy and determination and that all the skill, the ingenuity and the collective wisdom of all interested parties should be brought to bear on the situation."
Continue Exploring Kimberley
Whether your interests lie in history, culture, dining, shopping, entertainment, or simply discovering somewhere new, we hope these guides help you make the most of your time in Kimberley. If you're planning a visit to the City that Sparkles, Solomon Edwardian Guest House offers elegant accommodation in the historic suburb of Beaconsfield. Ideally situated for business and leisure travellers alike, The Solomon provides a comfortable base from which to explore.