President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness over the passing of AmaZulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu. The King was the longest reigning monarch of the Zulu nation.
The 72-year-old King passed away in hospital on Friday morning. He was admitted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital on February 2 due to diabetes, according to traditional Prime Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Announcement on the passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu:
In a statement, Ramaphosa has offered his sympathies and prayers to the Royal Family, to 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.
He adds that the AmaZulu King 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 the country as a whole.
Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Isilo Samabandla, His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu. pic.twitter.com/2mtYLnRQ5w
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 12, 2021
The Economic Freedom Fighters also sent its condolences.
The EFF sends its profound condolences to the longest-reigning monarch of Zulu royalty, His Majesty King Zwelithini. #RIPKingZwelithini pic.twitter.com/skjveDqfVF
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) March 12, 2021
In picture the CiC @Julius_S_Malema and His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu during the EFF’s official visit to His Majesty’s Royal Home in July 2017. pic.twitter.com/gR805LZSYF
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) March 12, 2021
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has described the late Amazulu King as a symbol of peace, unity and stability.
SAFTU’s General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says, “He is the symbol of peace, the stability of a united SA and more importantly, as we pay tribute to him, he championed development in his area.”
The Democratic Alliance leader in KwaZulu-Natal, Zwakele Mncwango, has also expressed his condolences on the passing of the AmaZulu monarch. He says he was an esteemed King who united people across the country.
“The King was able to unite the Zulu nation and not only unite his nation but he was able to embrace other nations. We will remember him by making sure that all nations and racial groups in KwaZulu-Natal are being recognized. That’s a role he played. He was a unifier in this province and not only in this province he was a very influential person in the entire country.”
