The AmaRharhabe Royal family has confirmed the sudden passing of the regent Queen Noloyiso Sandile. She was admitted at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital for coronavirus (COVID-19) related complications.

Queen Noloyiso is a sister to the Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini.

Royal family Spokesperson Prince Sipho Burns-Ncamashe says the amaXhosa nation is saddened by the passing of the queen.

“Indeed, as the Rharhabe Kingdom d and the entire Xhosa Kingdom, we are saddened by the sudden passing on of her Majesty the Queen, Queen Noloyiso Sandile, the regent Queen of the Rharhabe Kingdom. We are currently in the process of ensuring that the family and the government institutions are formally informed.”

Family spokesperson Nkosi Xhanti Sigcawu is on the line: