King Zanozuko amaMpondo Funeral Service

The funeral service of late amaMpondo king Zanozuko Sigcau will take place on Tuesday, 21 June. Photo: Pretoria News/ Twitter

King Zanozuko Sigcau: Government ready to proceed with official funeral

The special official funeral service of the late AmaMpondo monarch, king Zanazuko Sigcau, who died on 31 May, is ready to move ahead.

King Zanozuko amaMpondo Funeral Service

The funeral service of late amaMpondo king Zanozuko Sigcau will take place on Tuesday, 21 June. Photo: Pretoria News/ Twitter

The government has confirmed that it is ready to proceed with the special official funeral of the late ruler of the amaMpondo nation, king Zanozuko Sigcau, on Tuesday, 21 June.

President Cyril Ramaphosa designated the special funeral service and ordered that the national flag be flown at half-mast from Wednesday, 15 June. The instruction will remain in place until after the burial tomorrow evening.

King Zanozuko controversially ascended throne

King Zanozuko died following a short illness on 31 May. In 2018, the amaMpondo inaugurated him after a protracted court dispute. It followed former President Jacob Zuma’s recognition of king Zanozuko as the amaMpondo monarch in 2010.

READ MORE: Ramaphosa declares ‘special’ official funeral for the late Andrew Mlangeni

The move saw the late king Mpondo-Mbini Sigcau challenge Zuma despite the Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims’ ruling favouring the former’s nephew. King Zanozuko later succeeded his kinsman.

Eastern Cape Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) provincial director Ndlelantle Pinyana praised the late amaMpondo ruler, saying:

“During his tenure, he actively championed the development and progress of the amaMpondo Kingdom. He united the people to become active citizens. The king was an activist, a sports enthusiast, and a cultural curator.

“King Zanozuko played a pivotal role in making a difference in people’s lives through various initiatives. He strived to address social issues such as gender-based violence (GBV).”

Eastern Cape GCIS provincial director Ndlelantle Pinyana

King Zwelithini: Special state funeral for the monarch

Last year, Ramaphosa honoured the late king Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu with a special official state funeral.

At the time, the special official funeral category included ceremonial elements provided by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). King Zwelithini died on 12 March 2021 after an extended illness.

Ramphosa’s acting spokesperson Tyrone Seale said the president had also authorised the SA flag to fly at half-mast at every flag station in the country.

ALSO READ: Tributes pour in for amaMpondo king who passed away in Durban