By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Isilo Samabandla, King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu, who passed away on Friday morning.
His Majesty passed away in hospital at the age of 72.
“This sad news come at a time when we had all been hopeful that His Majesty was recovering well in hospital where he had been over the past few weeks, “Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa has offered his sympathies and prayers 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.
“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,” the President said.
Meanwhile Nhlakanipho Ntombela of ANC in KZN, says they’re deeply hurt by the news.
“He laid a solid foundation in uniting the Zulu Nation and the people KwaZulu-Natal as a whole. To the Zulu Royalty and Zulu nation as a whole, akwehlanga lungehlanga, uHlangalomhlabathi luphumulile.”
The DA’s Zwakele Mncwango says the king stood for unity for all nations.
“We will remember him by making sure that all racial groups in KZN are being recognised, he was a very influential person in the entire country. Uhambekahle Hlangalomhlabathi.”
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says Zwelithini will be remembered for his work in fighting against poverty.
“He will be remembered for his contribution in building the Zulu Nation and preserving and uploading the culture of the Zulu people and he will also be remembered for his role in reviving the cultures that promoted and restored dignity to the Zulu people.”
The KwaZulu-Natal government on Friday cancelled all activities that were planned for the day to observe a period of mourning.