Click HERE to watch the full funeral video on YouTube.
The community of Ermelo in Mpumalanga gathered in large numbers to celebrate the life of Mr. Stoto Douglas Matyeni, a respected father, mentor and community pillar whose generosity and humour left a lasting mark on many lives.
Speakers at the memorial described Matyeni as a man who always stood for what was right and never hesitated to help others, even when he was not obliged to do so. Many remembered him as a cheerful person who loved jokes and believed strongly in unity and family values.
For Khanyisa News, we remember Matyeni as an always available person to help in any situation, from assisting the KwaMabuza Community with water from his private borehole on his plot when water was scarce in the Ermelo Ext 50 settlement, where Khanyisa Offices are. His plot shares a border with KwaMabuza Farm, now known as Ext 50, since Human Settlements bought the farm in 2021, realising that there were over 3000 people there. There is no one from KwaMabuza residents whose life Matyeni never touched. This is why the whole community left whatever they were doing this past Saturday and filled the plot to lay him to rest. Even the whole of Ermelo mourned the passing of this icon. Khanyisa mourned with them.
“I was really heartbroken to hear of his passing when I was in Nelspruit,” said the Publisher of Khanyisa News, Austin Menzi Moyo Snr. “We were very close and from time to time I would check on him, and we would sit and talk about many things, including one day when he spoke about his trip to a Cancer Treatment Nuclear centre, where he expressed confidence that he could stand again,” Said Moyo, commonly known as Bab’ Shashe in the community. (The link to this video and that of the funeral are at the end of this article)
Originally from Olhsen in the Eastern Cape, Matyeni later settled in Ermelo where he built a life that would influence many people across generations. He was the son of Willy Matyeni and received his education at St. John’s College.
After completing his studies, Matyeni worked in the mining industry for many years. When he eventually retired from the mines, he did not slow down. Instead, he started a driving school, helping many young people in Ermelo learn how to drive and gain a valuable life skill that could open doors for employment.
Beyond his work, Matyeni was also deeply involved in his faith. He became a dedicated member of the Roman Catholic Church, where he played an important role in supporting church activities and strengthening the spirit of community among congregants.
During the memorial service, speaker after speaker shared stories that painted a clear picture of a man who valued people. Many described him as someone who believed that wrong was wrong and right was right, a principle that guided the way he treated others.
Family members said Matyeni was not only devoted to his immediate family but also extended love and support to many people in the community, making him a father figure to others.
However, the family also spoke about the difficult final chapter of his life. Matyeni had been battling prostate cancer, a disease that continues to affect thousands of men in South Africa every year.
One of the speakers used the opportunity to deliver a strong message to men in the community. He urged men not to ignore their health and encouraged them to go for regular prostate cancer screenings and medical check-ups.
“Men are known to be strong and patient,” the speaker said. “But when it comes to prostate cancer, waiting can cost your life. Early testing can save lives.”
The family also expressed disappointment with the care Matyeni received at Ermelo Provincial Hospital during one of his hospital stays. According to the family, when they arrived at the hospital to check on him, they found that his drip had run completely dry, raising concerns about the level of patient care.
Because of this situation, the family decided to take him home so he could receive care there. He was later readmitted to hospital and discharged a few days before his passing.
During his illness, Matyeni had also visited a new prostate cancer nuclear treatment centre, which provides advanced targeted therapies aimed at treating prostate cancer. Unfortunately, by the time he received treatment, the disease had already progressed.
Despite the pain of losing him, many community members said Matyeni’s life should be remembered not only with sadness but also with gratitude for the many lives he touched.
“He was a people’s person,” one speaker said. “His life showed us what it means to care for others.”
As the community of Ermelo bids farewell to Douglas Matyeni, his legacy remains a powerful reminder of the value of community service, strong family ties, faith and looking after one’s health.
For many in Ermelo, Matyeni will always be remembered as a man who gave freely of himself and whose kindness helped shape the community he loved.
