AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
ONE of Africa’s most influential and powerful traditional leaders – King Goodwill Zwelithini – who presides over the country’s 12 millions Zulus, has been admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital where he is being treated for diabetes.
The state of Zwelithini’s health and his admission to hospital was disclosed by Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the King’s traditional prime minister.
Buthelezi said Zwelithini was admitted to hospital for the second time after treatment for his diabetes failed to stabilise his glucose levels.
“As it is widely known, His Majesty is a diabetic and his glucose levels are closely monitored. Over the past few weeks, several unstable glucose readings have raised concern and His Majesty was required to visit a hospital in Zululand to attend to this.
“Unfortunately the problem did not fully resolve and His Majesty has had to return to hospital to stabilise his glucose levels once again. His doctors have felt it necessary to place him in ICU to deal with this thoroughly. This incident of unstable glucose has been treated with particular caution due to the risk that diabetes poses under the present conditions of a pandemic. As is known, scientists warn that diabetes is considered a serious co-morbidity,” Buthelezi, a former leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party, said.
Buthelezi gave assurances that Zwelithini was receiving the necessary care.
