By Celani Sikhakhane
- Prince Tutu Wisemen and Princess Lungile died on 27 July, both descendants of Prince Mpikayivuswa kaDinuzulu.
- The King will enter seclusion as the Zulu nation mourns, and the ceremony will be rescheduled.
Zulu monarch King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has postponed the annual uMkhosi weSivivane to allow the royal family and the nation to mourn the loss of two senior family members.
The ceremony, which was meant to take place this weekend at the eMashobeni Royal Palace, has been called off following the deaths of Prince Tutu Wisemen and Princess Lungile from the KwaCishengiphumule Royal House.
Both were great-grandchildren of King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo and grandchildren of Prince Mpikayivuswa Gindi kaDinuzulu.
The King’s spokesperson, Prince Thulani of the eZibindini Royal House, made the announcement on Wednesday.
“His Majesty, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has instructed me to inform the royal family and the nation about the sudden postponement of the uMkhosi weSivivane ceremony,” he said. “This is due to the devastating and untimely passing of Prince Tutu and Princess Lungile.”
He said the King made the decision to allow the family to mourn in dignity and peace.
The King will also enter a period of seclusion, in line with royal customs, following a family death.
Prince Thulani said he is aware that preparations for the event were already at an advanced stage, but said the tragic loss left him no choice but to delay it.
Umkhosi weSivivane is a cultural event held during Women’s Month and focuses on empowering women. It is traditionally hosted at kwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace and attended by older and married women.
The ceremony was founded by the late Queen Regent Mantfombi kaSobhuza and includes motivational talks, cultural education, and activities like preparing umhlanga reeds to present to the King.
No new date for the ceremony has been announced.
Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has postponed the uMkhosi weSivivane annual ceremony to mourn the passing of royal family members.
Image source: KZN Department of Arts and Culture
