AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
SOUTH Africa has bestowed its highest honour to King Goodwill Zwelithini, the powerful leader of the country’s 12 million Amazulu nation, who died yesterday from diabetes-related complications.
Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa’s president, has announced that King Zwelithini will be given the highest category official funeral, a Special Official Funeral Category 1.
This is an honour reserved for individuals who have served the nation with distinction and is a level below a full state funeral, reserved for serving or former heads of state.
Ramaphosa also authorised that the national flag be flown at half-mast at every flag station in SA until the evening of the funeral service.
The president expressed his sincere condolences to the Royal Family, to the Zulu nation, and to the people of KwaZulu-Natal and beyond – for whom the Ingonyama was an important symbol of history, culture and heritage.
King Zwelithini (72, who presided over the country’s 12 millions Zulus since 1971, had been admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital where he was being treated for diabetes-related complications.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the King’s prime minister, has announced that the Amazulu monarch will lie in state at the Kwakhethamthandayo Palace, in KwaNongoma, where his subjects can pay their respects. Details of his funeral are expected to be announced soon.
President @CyrilRamaphosa declares special official funeral for King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu https://t.co/swccMK389W #RIPKingGoodwillZwelithini pic.twitter.com/58JSssgEbC
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) March 12, 2021
South Africans from all walks of life have, since the announcement of his death, offered condolences to the Amazulu Royal family. Ramaphosa said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the King.
Ramaphosa said: “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,” Ramaphosa said.
The ANC said King Zwelithini was a courageous leader, a peacemaker and a leader who played a role in the national fight against HIV/Aids.
“He took centre stage in calling for an end to politically-motivated killings which had resulted in the unwarranted loss of innocent lives, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces. During intense political violence between the ANC and IFP, King Zwelithini was seen criss-crossing South Africa, encouraging people to resort to peaceful and non-violent means of resolving conflict,” said ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe.
The Economic Freedom Fighters said South Africa had lost a true and humble leader who represented the people’s quest for freedom and self-determination.
“Despite leading one of the most powerful nations of black people in the world, King Goodwill Zwelithini was one of the most humble human beings willing to engage with all people in South Africa.”
The provincial government of KwaZulu-Natal has gone into mourning and cancelled all activities. Premier Sihle Zikhalala has convened an emergency meeting of the provincial cabinet to discuss the passing of the King.
Zwelithini has been King since 1971 and is survived by six wives and 27 children.
Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Isilo Samabandla, His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu. pic.twitter.com/2mtYLnRQ5w
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 12, 2021
