Joel Matiza

Joel Biggie Matiza (17 August 1960 – 22 January 2021) was a Zimbabwean politician and the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development since 2018. He died from COVID-19 on 22 January 2021.

Early life and education Matiza was born on 17 August 1960 in Murewa, Mashonaland East to a Shona family. The Herald (Zimbabwe) states that "He was the first born in a family of six children (four boys and two girls), his siblings being: Tendai and Zviko (twins), Sheila, Zivai and Tambirai. He enrolled for primary education at several primary schools, namely: Nyamutumbu and Kambarami (both in Murewa District) and Monte Casino Mission (Macheke) between 1966 and 1972. He then went to Murewa High School for secondary education in 1973 finishing Ordinary level in 1975." "After suffering injuries during a raid on Freedom Camp in Zambia, Cde Matiza was hospitalised for a long time before being identified as one of the intellects in the ranks qualifying for educational courses offered by friendly nations. He was sent to Nigeria to pursue his education."

Career

After returning from his Nigerian education, Matiza worked for an architectural firm before being employed by the Urban Development Corporation (Udicorp). In 1990, he successfully registered with the Architects Council of Zimbabwe (ACZ) and subsequently became a member of the Institute of Architects of Zimbabwe (MIAZ). Projects include design work on the future New Zimbabwe Parliament Building and the upgrading of Victoria Falls Airport, which was completed in November 2016.

In 1999 Matiza was elected to the Zimbabwe Parliament from Murehwa South Constituency, where he served until his death.

He was placed on the United States sanctions list from 2005 until his death.

In 2018, Matiza was appointed Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. oversees the following parastatal organisms: National Railways of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) Air Zimbabwe Zimbabwe National Roads Administration

Death Joel Biggie Matiza died from COVID-19 on 22 January 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe, two days after fellow Minister Sibusiso Moyo. Matiza was hospitalised a week before he died. He became the 4th minister to succumb to the respiratory illness.