King Goodwill Zwelithini’s body will not lie in state

The body of King Goodwill Zwelithini will not lie in state due
to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The body of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini will not lie in state.

This announcement was made by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi in
a statement this morning (Sunday).

The King of the Zulu nation passed away on Friday, March 12
at the age of 72 years.

In the statement, Buthelezi said that some very difficult
decisions needed to be made by the Zulu Royal Family after the King’s passing.

“As the nation will recall, when the late King’s father,
King Cyprian Bhekuzulu ka Solomon, passed away in September 1968, the King was
laid in state for several days while thousands of mourners came to pay their
final respects. It was thus naturally expected that His Majesty King Zwelithini
would likewise be laid in state.

“Unfortunately, however, we are faced with the reality that
South Africa and the world remain within the grip of a deadly pandemic. The
national regulations which are in place, restricting the number of people who
may gather, cannot be contravened, even in a time of extraordinary distress,” Buthelezi
explained.

“It would be unconscionable to allow His Majesty’s passing
to become the cause of further deaths among His Majesty’s people. It has
therefore been necessary to take the difficult decision for the late King not
to be laid in state.”

Buthelezi also made an appeal, on behalf of the family, for
mourners to not travel to Nongoma to pay their respects as it is vital that the
gathering of crowds at this time should be avoided, as this would place lives
in jeopardy.

“Moreover, as it is well established that funerals are a
crucible of COVID-19 outbreaks, a decision has had to be taken regarding the
funeral itself. We appreciate His Excellency President Ramaphosa’s announcement
that His Majesty will be accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 1. It
must be emphasised however, that even State funerals have adhered to the
present protocols restricting numbers. These protocols must be respected,”
Buthelezi said.

“The Royal House itself has numbers in excess of what would
be allowed in terms of regulations. It is therefore essential to impress upon
people that the funeral will not be open for all to attend.”

He emphasised that since it will be a Special Official
Funeral, it will be broadcasted live so that the nation may honour the King
from their homes. “We ask, with all due respect, that mourners therefore stay
at home and use this time to pray,” he pleaded.

“These are extraordinary times which will not be forgotten
in the collective memory of our nation. In this historic moment, we are bound
by the need to protect the lives of the late King’s relatives and all his
people. These decisions are not taken lightly and will accordingly be strictly
upheld.”

An announcement on the date for the funeral will be
communicated in due course.

Source: Royal statement