By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The late king Goodwill Zwelithini who passed away on Friday will now be buried privately and his burial will only be attended by men.
Zwelithini who died aged 72, will also be buried at night with the date kept as a family secret.
This was announced on Sunday by the King’s traditional Prime minister, Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi outside KwaKhethomthandayo royal palace in Nongoma where all mourners come to pay their respect.
Buthelezi said this was the late King’s wish and two of his recently departed sons, Prince Butho and Prince Lethukuthula were also buried in the thick of the night.
“He said he would like to be buried at night and only by men. So we agreed with the royal family that his wish should be granted. And that will happen in private,” Buthelezi announced.
Since President Cyril Ramaphosa granted the king a state funeral, Buthelezi said that would be turned into a memorial service.
“On Thursday there will be a memorial service to remember the King,” Buthelezi clarified.
“The burial of a king is not open to everyone. It is something that is very sacred and it takes place behind the curtain because of the rituals that have to be performed in bidding the king farewell.”
After the funeral, Buthelezi would make bulletins on who will be the heir to the throne.
“It is not like the British monarchy, where the first child is chosen as an heir.
“While nonetheless alive, the king would focus on who he desires as an heir with the prime minister and the royal council. They determine who will be the successor.”
Zwelithini was the first son of King Cyprian and his second wife, Queen Thomo.
He was crowned as king in 1971 at Nongoma, in a ceremony attended by over 20 000 people.
The king would be remembered for not only modernising the monarchy, but also reviving lost cultural practices.
As the mourning continues and people from all walks of life continues to swarm the palace to pay their respect, on Sunday the palace received the most high powered mourning delegation since Friday.
The delegation included former President Jacob Zuma, ANC treasurer Paul Mashatile, cooperative governance and traditional affairs minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and police minister Bheki Cele.
Also on tow was KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala who arrived with his entire cabinet. Before their arrival, the palace had received the leadership of the KZN legislature led by its Speaker, Nontembeko Boyce.
Live Proceedings from Nongoma: AmaZulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
Video Courtesy of SABC.