Lungani Zungu
Reigning Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu has died aged 72 in hospital after a long illness, in the early hours on Friday.
The news of his passing was confirmed by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
In a statement, Buthelezi said: “It is with the utmost grief that I inform the nation of the passing of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, King of the Zulu Nation.
“On behalf of the Royal Family, we thank the nation for your continued prayers and support in this most difficult time.”
His death comes just months after his eldest son Lethekuthula Zulu died in December.
Condolences are flooding in for King Zwelithini who has led the Zulu nation for 50 years after taking over from his father, King Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon who died in 1968.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was “saddened by the news of the passing of Isilo Samabandla, His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu”.
“His Majesty will be remembered as a much-loved, visionary monarch who made an important contribution to cultural identity, national unity and economic development in KwaZulu-Natal and through this, to the development of our country as a whole.”
Bayede! Hlanga Lomhlabathi!
Picture source: Supplied
