The memorial service of the King of amaXhosa, Zwelonke Sigcawu, is taking place in the Johannesburg CBD on Thursday evening.
Sigcawu died at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape on Thursday, aged 51.
He has been granted a Special Official funeral Category 1.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast for the mourning period until his burial on Friday next week.
The Cathedral of Christ the King is packed to capacity by scores of mourners dressed in Xhosa attire gathered to remember King Sigcawu on Thursday evening.
They’ve been singing, saying the night is not to mourn but celebrate the life of the King.
Tributes are expected from representatives from the National Heritage Council, the Gauteng Provincial Government and CONTROLESA.
Watch the memorial service below:
The President will deliver an eulogy at the funeral at Nqadu Great Place, Willowvale, Eastern Cape, on Friday, 29th November.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane has already appointed an inter-ministerial committee to oversee the planning of the funeral.
Royal House spokesperson, Prince Xhanti Sigcawu says they are happy as the family.
“As the Xhosa Royal family, we received a communication from the Premier of the province whereby he’s indicated to us that His Excellency the State President of the Republic of South Africa has approved the request that His Majesty King Zwelonke’s funeral be declared as a Special Official Funeral Category One without military honours.”
