By Celani Sikhakhane
- King Mphezeni IV, who ruled the Ngoni nation in Zambia for more than four decades, died after a long illness.
- King Misuzulu said he was heartbroken by the death of a monarch who worked tirelessly to unite the descendants of King Shaka and King Zwangendaba.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has expressed deep sadness following the death of King Mphezeni IV of the Ngoni nation in Zambia.
King Mphezeni died over the weekend after a long illness.
The Zambian government had previously flown him to India for specialised medical treatment in an effort to save his life.
King Mphezeni IV was a direct descendant of King Zwangendaba kaHlatshwayo, the Ngoni leader who led his people north during the upheavals of the early 1800s.
The Ngoni eventually settled in parts of Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique after leaving what is now South Africa.
Prince Thulani Zulu of the eZibindini Royal House, who speaks on behalf of King Misuzulu, said the Zulu monarch was devastated by the news.
“King Mphezeni IV had a close relationship with King Misuzulu. He attended the sacred ukuNgena eSibayeni ceremony and supported efforts to strengthen ties between our nations,” said Prince Thulani.
“The King is deeply shocked by his passing because he believed King Mphezeni had overcome his illness after receiving treatment in India.”
Prince Thulani said King Misuzulu was conveying condolences on behalf of the Zulu royal family and the Zulu nation.
King Mphezeni IV was widely respected for rebuilding ties between the Ngoni and Zulu people.
After becoming king in 1982, he made it his mission to reconnect the descendants of King Zwangendaba and King Shaka kaSenzangakhona.
His efforts helped restore cultural and historical links that had been severed for generations.
Under his leadership, the Ngoni and Zulu nations regularly visited one another during major cultural events, including Zambia’s famous Ncwala ceremony and heritage celebrations in South Africa.
These gatherings brought together descendants of the Ngoni people from Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa and eSwatini.
Many traditional leaders and historians praised King Mphezeni for preserving Ngoni culture while also strengthening unity among African kingdoms with shared roots.
His death marks the end of an era for the Ngoni nation and for thousands of people across southern Africa who saw him as a symbol of unity and cultural pride.
Prince Thulani said details of the funeral would be announced once the Ngoni royal family and Zambian authorities finalise burial arrangements.
Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Image source: File
