WeeklySA_AdminLEGACY: From social work in Soweto to leadership in business, Matodzi Liphosa spent his life helping others advance — while remaining a devoted mentor, lifelong learner and custodian of his family’s history…
By WSAM Reporter
Businessman Matodzi Liphosa’s working life began in service to communities and grew into a distinguished career in communications and business.
Liphosa died on October 16 after a short illness. He was 85.
Throughout that journey, helping people recognise and realise their potential remained a defining commitment.
Remembered by his family as a mentor, counsellor and passionate seeker of knowledge, he leaves a legacy that reaches across community welfare, black professional advancement, enterprise and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Born at Ha-Luvhimbi on December 11, 1940, he was the son of Vho-Joel Alilali Liphosa, a respected woodcarver and ironsmith, and Vho-Nyakuḓuvha Liphosa, née Ṋengudza. His upbringing in a family that valued leadership, wisdom and community service helped shape the direction of his life.
He attended Ha-Luvhimbi Primary School before proceeding to Vendaland Institution, where he completed his high school education and obtained a Higher Primary Teachers’ Diploma.
His studies subsequently took him to the then University College of the North at Turfloop, now the University of Limpopo, where he obtained a Diploma in Social Work. He later earned a master’s degree in social work and a Higher Diploma in Advanced Social Work Practice from the University of the Witwatersrand.
In 1965, Liphosa joined the Johannesburg City Council’s welfare section in Soweto. According to his family’s obituary, he was its only fully trained professional social worker at the time.
He later became manager of the Entokozweni Community Centre, helping sustain an important place of support and learning for the community.
His commitment to the profession extended into leadership as president of the South African Black Social Workers Association. He also undertook research into leadership in community development.
An academic career beckoned. Wits was preparing him to become the first black lecturer in its School of Social Work, the family recounts. He chose another direction, however, believing that enterprise, alongside social welfare, could help communities advance.
That conviction carried him into communications and business.
In the early 1990s, he became the most senior black consultant and a board director at TWS, described in the obituary as South Africa’s largest public relations consultancy at the time.
He later founded Simeka Communications, which subsequently merged with TWS. His corporate leadership responsibilities included appointment to the board of Adcorp Holdings, where he later served as chairman.
Retirement in 2007 brought further opportunities to contribute. Liphosa served as a trustee of the Hollard Foundation and became chairman of its trust in 2010. He also served as a non-executive director of Etana Insurance.
In 2013, he became chief executive officer of NAFCOC, with a mandate to reorganise, revive and revitalise the organisation. The following year, he co-founded property development company Phuphunsika Investment Holdings with Pearl Majola.
Beyond these positions, his influence was often personal. Having benefited from the guidance of his teachers, he understood the value of encouragement and counsel.
Young professionals, relatives and colleagues sought his advice, and he took pride in watching others develop into leaders.
Reading and jazz were enduring pleasures. On his travels, including visits to Chapel Hill and Washington, he made time for bookshops and magazine stalls, feeding a curiosity that remained with him throughout his life.
In later years, that curiosity turned increasingly towards ancestry. Through his memoir, Ndi wa ngafhi? — Of which people am I? — and research into the VhaNyai, he explored the Liphosa family’s history through the Mutapa, Rozvi and Kalanga courts.
His research examined the historical role of the munyai as messenger, diplomat and trusted intermediary, reflecting his determination to preserve knowledge for future generations.
Liphosa was predeceased by his daughter Thanyani, his parents, his elder brother Vho-Ntshavhiseni Philemon Liphosa and his sister Vho-Joyce Netshiombo.
He is survived by his children Ndiitwani, Zwiitwaho, Dumisani, Mulalo, and twins Vhutali and Lutendo; seven grandchildren; his great-grandson Wanga; and an extended family.
To that family, he left a message both affectionate and resolute: “I have high regard for all of you. Keep the flag of the clan high!”
Liphosa will be buried on Saturday after a service at Marks Park Sports Club, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
