Popular herbalist and ex boxer dies

Well-known Eastern Cape herbalist, former boxer and social commentator Rueben Matewu has died.

Matewu, 64, reportedly passed away on Friday at an old age home in King William’s Town.

Although his son Xabiso Matewu could not be reached on his phone, family friends confirmed the death.

A friend who asked not to be named, said: “ He was alive and well the last time I saw him at mall about three weeks ago holding a copy of the Daily Dispatch.”

Matewu made national headlines in 2013 after he claimed he had muti that could help struggling national soccer side Bafana Bafana win their African Cup of Nations games.

In 2011, at age 56, the former boxer took many by surprise when he announced his return to the ring. The move never materialized after he was talked out of it by doctors and his family.

His announcement came three decades after he had thrown in the towel on July 26 1980.

This was no surprise since he had lost 19 of his 30 professional fights.

Many affectionately called Matewu by his ring name “Kid Zion”.

Matewu was a highly-respected listener of national radio station Umhlobo Wenene FM. As a regular caller, he contributed significantly to discussions on many of the station’s talk show programmes by giving his opinion on a variety of topics.

He was equally respected by both listeners and presenters for his strong general knowledge.