UPDATE:
President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the news of
the passing of Isilo Samabandla, King Goodwill Zwelithini Ka Bhekuzulu.
“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,” the president said in a statement released on Friday morning.
“The President offered his sympathies and prayers to the
Royal Family, 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,”
the statement read.
“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.”
Source: Statement from The Presidency
King Goodwill Zwelithini has died. He was 72 years old.
The announcement was made by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi this morning.
His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini Ka Bhekuzulu has passed away. #RIPKingZwelithini pic.twitter.com/Par9CDJK4b
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) March 12, 2021
The King of the Zulu nation passed away in hospital in the early hours of this morning (Friday) after he was admitted about a month ago for doctors to monitor his glucose levels.
“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 in a royal statement.
“On behalf of the Royal Family, we thank the nation for your continued prayers and support in this most difficult time. May His Majesty our King rest in peace,” Buthelezi added.
King Goodwill Zwelithini Ka Bhekuzulu started his reign in December 1971, after the death of his father, King Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon.
