Matthews Meyiwa was born on 24 August 1924 in Georgedale, near Hammersdale in Natal (now KwaZulu Natal). He was born to George and Anne Meyiwa who were peasant farmers and was the last of eight children. Meyiwa attended Georgedale Primary School and Memorial Salvation School. He then attended Mpolweni Mission where he completed his secondary school education. Meyiwa progressed to Adams College to study for his junior certificate. It was here that he met Chief Albert Luthuli who was teaching at the college.