Joe Matthews is the father of the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor.

Matthews was a former MP and Deputy Minister of Safety and Security in the government of national unity formed following the first democratic elections in 1994.  

Born in Durban on 17 June 1929, he was one of the five children of Frieda and ZK Matthews. 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. In 1965 he took an MA in History at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, while serving as the ANC representative in its London office.

In 1970 Matthews moved to Botswana, where he became assistant secretary in the office of Prime Minister Sir Seretse Khama. In 1972 he was appointed assistant attorney-general for Botswana, a post he held until 1976. Subsequently, he opened a private law practice in Gaborone.

From 1984 he lived in the United Kingdom, then in Canada and then the Netherlands. He returned to South Africa in 1991 and took part in the multi-party negotiations for a new government in 1993.

He is survived by five children (his wife Regina Themba Phillipps died in 2002).

Issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology

For further information, call Zola Ngcakana on 0836283843