International dignitaries and traditional leaders from different African tribes continue to make their way to the special official funeral of the late AmaXhosa King Zwelonke Sigcawu.
The service is taking place at Nqadu Great Place in Willowvale, Eastern Cape.
Delegations from Kingdoms as far as Malawi have come to pay their last respects to the late AmaXhosa king.
A delegation of the Royal Warriors of Malawi Chifundo Likhawumba says they are here to pay their last respects and keep relations with the country.
“Our history proves that we come from here in South Africa, so we want to rebuild that relationship with the royal families, so that we can come together and unite. If anything happens between Malawi [and] South Africa those kings have to unite and we want to involve South African culture with the Malawi culture,” adds Likhawumba.
Meanwhile, the military has taken over the processions for the late King. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Major General Thembelani Xundu, says negotiations were made between the state, the military and the royal family to adhere to the royal protocol and state protocol.
The royalty will take the coffin, drape it in their traditional authority and thereafter the coffin will be draped in national colours with the military to take over before the funeral unfolds.
“This is the first time ever that the state is hosting a state funeral with military orders for a king. It hasn’t happened since 1994 – the involvement of the state, specifically with the military in barriers of this nature. Dates back to 1852 and in the 1920’s where it was later formalised through a ceremonial handbook. We see now it’s emerging. We see the state is ready to honour South Africans with outstanding credentials like the King,” explains Xundu.
