The longest-serving Zulu Nation monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini dies, at 73
By Mcebo Makhaye
The Zulu monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini has died at the age of 73, he took his last breath in Durban hospital in the early hours of Friday morning, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi announced.
His tragic, untimely death comes a month after he had been hospitalised and placed in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to concerns of his blood sugar levels and risks associated with Covid-19.
In a short statement, Mangosuthu said he was shocked to learn the untimely passing of King Zwelithini.
“It is with utmost grief that I inform the nation of the passing of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini,” the statement reads.
Mangosuthu further said: “On behalf of the royal family, we thank the nation for your continued prayers and support in this most difficult time.”
Not so long ago, Mangosuthu previously said King Zwelithini’s condition was treated with “caution” because of risks associated with Covid-19, News24 reported.
“There were concerns about his blood sugar levels and he received treatment in the ICU, when he became unstable,” he said.
King Zwelithini was affectionately known as “Ngangezwe Lakhe” who has been tirelessly serving as the Zulu royal monarch for almost 50 years.
King Zwelithini was born on July 14, 1948 at KwaNongoma, in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). He was the oldest son of King Cyprian and his, second wife Queen Thomo, and was educated at the Bekezulu College of Chiefs and the privately tutored.
According to the website sahistory.org, King Zwelithini lived at his father’s official residence at Khethomthandayo and received formal instruction in traditional Zulu customs.
“In 1968, his father died, and a regent was appointed to look after the administration of the royal affairs while King Zwelithini completed his education. A heated debate ensued between the SA government and the KZN royal family over the choice of regency.”
However, King Zwelithini was crowned as the eight monarchs of the Zulu at a traditional ceremony in KwaNongoma, which was attended by 20 000 people, dating back on December 5, 1971.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Provincial of Traditional Leaders (PHTL), Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza said that the traditional leaders are reeling from the tragic passing of the Zulu Nation’s longest-serving monarch.
“We are shocked to the core by the news announced this morning (Friday) by the Prime Minister of the Zulu Nation, Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi. We are still coming to terms with passing of the father of our nation,” said Chiliza.
Chiliza went on to say the PHTL had been hoping for some time that the King’s medical condition would stabilise and that he would soon be out of the hospital.
“We had been hopeful for some time that ‘Ngangezwe Lakhe’ would recover and continue to be the guiding light of the Zulu Nation, but unfortunately the Almighty had other plans for him. We are very saddened and shattered by the loss of our King,” he said.
In addition, Chiliza conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the Zulu Royal Household and to the Zulu Nation.
“We wish the Royal Household and the Zulu Nation strength and courage during this difficult period,” he added.
King Zwelithini died in hospital on Friday after he had been admitted last month, following “several unstable glucose readings”.
He is survived by his six wives and 28 children. His eldest son and immediate heir to the throne, Prince Lethukuthula Zulu died in November last year.
Rest In Eternal Peace.
Lala Kahle Silo Samabandla, Bhejane Phuma Esiqiwini, Wena We Zulu…Bayede!
Compiled by Mcebo Makhaye.
