The Traditional Prime Minister to the AmaZulu nation, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, has revealed that there were allegations that the Regent, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, had been poisoned when she fell ill two years ago.
Buthelezi spoke to SABC News in an exclusive interview before the Queen passed away from an unknown illness at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg on Thursday night.
The 65-year-old Queen was appointed regent last month in accordance to the wishes of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
Buthelezi says the Queen spent most of her time in Eswatini after falling ill.
“When she left she was ill and rumours were that she was poisoned. Other things are too…I’m not going to get into them. Any condition of anyone is she was not a public figure I would say it quite wrong to ask me because any illness of any person is actually the prerogative of that person. But I have told you that she has been ill all the time because there were rumours when she went to Milpark Hospital and later to Swatini that she was poisoned, and then I’m not prepared to elaborate on that because that is the position,” says Prince Buthelezi.
Buthelezi has called on the public and the media to give the Zulu Royal Family space and privacy to deal with the Regent’s passing.
He made the call in the interview below:
The Zulu monarch’s Prime Minister has said the Queen’s funeral details will be released in due course. He has also assured the nation of AmaZulu that they won’t allow a leadership vacuum to exist following the Queen’s passing.
Condolences meanwhile continue to pour in over Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu’s death.
Maiden Minders, who teach young women and girls on aspects of preserving their culture and purity, say it has been difficult to lose the nation’s pillars in such a short space of time.
“It is extremely difficult losing our pillars as Zulu nation we are in pain, our maidens are crying after hearing the news of the departure of our Queen. I am a leader of Maiden Minders in eThekwini region we are in charge of thousand maidens, at this stage we can only call for prayers we are in need of all the prayers we are all saddened by the passing of our Queen,” says leader of the minders in eThekwini, Busisiwe Ntombela.
Ntombela also remembers the Regent for her leading role in hosting the annual, women only “Umkhosi Wesivivane” ceremonies to celebrate the role of women in nation of AmaZulu.
“Besides the Reed Dance, Queen MaDlamini used to host uMkhosi Wesivivane in August for women she was dearly loved by women. We are unable to express our shock and sadness. At the end of this ceremony she used to remind us that she will see us at Nyokeni Palace. She was our Mother and also the Mother to the maidens as well, she use to advise maidens about preserving culture,” adds Ntombela.
Questions as to who will run affairs of AmaZulu royal household:
South Africans continue to send messages of condolences to the Zulu nation on social media.
Her Majesty. The Queen? Royal Highness #AfricanPrincess: #MantfombiDlamini. Daughter of King Sobhuza II of Swaziland. Principal Wife 2 Isilo Goodwill Zwelithini. Princess of eSwatini, Queen Consort & until this day- Regent of AmaZulu. Bayede #Ndlovukazi ✊?#RIPQueenMantfombi ? pic.twitter.com/f5ngORGxQr
— Asanda Magaqa ?? (@asandamagaqa) April 29, 2021
First it was the Kings eldest son. Who passed on the 11th of November 2020 under mysterious circumstances.
Followed by the father, King Zwelithini on the 12th of March 2021.
Now the Kings wife, Regent Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, who passed on 29 April 2021.#RIPQueenMantfombi pic.twitter.com/573Wcm7Qcf
— Secretary of Black Twiitter (@Prince_SA2021) April 29, 2021
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi announced last night that the regent of the Zulu nation Queen Mantfombi Shiyiwe Dlamini-Zulu has passed on at age 65. #RIPQueenMantfombi
She has been married to the Zulu king since 1977 and had 8 children.
Condolences to the family and Zulu nation pic.twitter.com/XtVSzmtb4H
— muvhumaa (@muvhumaa) April 30, 2021
Battle for the throne has begun
Rest in Power Ndlovukazi ????#RipQueenMantfombi pic.twitter.com/cjScxRuH7f— Mzabalazo Dlamini (@mzaa_dlaminie) April 29, 2021
We are left with pictures, ?
God heal the Zulu Nation during this time.?#RIPQueenMantfombi pic.twitter.com/veoDlw1m4U
— Mfundoyakhe Shezi ?? (@Mfundoyakhe_S) April 29, 2021
Rest in peace Her Majesty Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu. Grand daughter of Somhlolo, daughter of King Sobhuza II, sister to King Mswati III and Queen of the Zulu nation.. #RIPQueenMantfombi pic.twitter.com/CvtWEgnEJM
— #KingBebe ?? (@KingMntungwa) April 29, 2021
#RIPQueenMantfombi this was the last time i visited her majesty the queen i was hoping to see her again when i come back during the holidays ???? Nkosi my heart has been shattered kubhlungu ??? she was a very loving,caring sweet person ? pic.twitter.com/aVIDMYoJkJ
— ????Nomasiko Mathenjwa ???? (@MathSiko) April 30, 2021
We have lost our FAVOURITE beaitiful and humble auntie as the ESwatini nation. I smell a big fat rat… #RIPQueenMantfombi pic.twitter.com/WYC32J5H0E
— StopHumanTrafficking (@SthieMtetwa) April 30, 2021
