Our Foundation's Foundation 

Bishop Xoliswa Cynthia Matakane was born on the 02 December 1953 in rural areas of Dikeni, where the first higher education institution for native blacks is situated, now formally known as the University of Fort Hare in Alice. Born in a family that stood against the apartheid government; and growing up in what was practically an active ANC intelligence safe house; she grew up knowing only how to defend the voiceless.  While her brother Zukile Matakane joined the UMkhonto weSizwe and became an honored and recorded hero, she stayed with her father at home and often saw the brutality of apartheid officials on their quest for information.

She was an outstanding champion of community level development and rural youth capacitation. She was an activist of land rights, improved access to education, an advocate for child protections and youth development. She housed in her home over 40 young people who have now grown to become professionals, leaders, fathers and activists. The Xoliswa Matakane Community Upliftment Foundation seeks to advance her principles of rural development, rural youth capacitation and advocacy in hopes of improving prospects of a better future. Additionally, Xoliswa Matakane believed that the only solution to address brain drain of the Eastern Cape is embarking on intentional and sustainable rural economic development, delivered in a professional and efficient manner. 

She departed in 2021. She is remembered for living her life in strength until the last moments. Her heroic last words to her children were;

"Ningamagwala? Ningamagwala na? Nizothi nifuzise Ubani ukuba ningawo?".

"Are you cowards?, Are you cowards? who will you say you resemble if you are?"