By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Zulu monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini has died.
IFP founder and traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarch, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, confirmed the tragic news in a statement issued on Friday morning.
“It is with the utmost grief that I inform the nation of the passing of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu, King of the Zulu Nation.
“Tragically, while still in hospital, His Majesty’s health took a turn for the worse and he subsequently passed away in the early hours of this morning.”
Buthelezi said the Royal Family thanked the nation for “your continued prayers and support in this most difficult time. May His Majesty our King rest in peace.”
Last Friday Buthelezi said the king was progressing in hospital.
He was admitted to ICU in a private hospital last month after “several unstable glucose readings”.
He was 72 years old.
King Zwelithini was born in July 1948 at Nongoma in KwaZulu Natal.
He was the eldest son of King Cyprian and his second wife, Queen Thomo. He was educated at the Bekezulu College of Chiefs and then privately tutored. He 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 Zwelithini completed his education. A heated debate ensued between the South African government and the KwaZulu royal family over the choice of regency.
Zwelithini was installed as the eighth Monarch of the Zulus at a traditional ceremony at Nongoma on 3 December 1971, attended by 20 000 people.