Tributes pour in for AmaMpondo King who passed away in Durban

AmaMpondo King Zanozuko Tvelovuyo Sigcau passed away at a hospital in Durban on Tuesday, 31 May. The King reportedly fell ill over the Easter weekend before passing away.

Royal Family and traditional leaders are looking for a way to move forward

The Sigcau family, AmaNyawuza clan and traditional leaders are expected to meet on Thursday, 2 June. They will be discussing a way forward following the King’s untimely passing.

Family elder Cosmo Somdizsela revealed that they are waiting are currently waiting for members of the family to receive more information on the King’s passing.

“We will discuss the way forward and how we are going to bury him. We are still waiting for the King’s sisters who are on their way here. They will tell us what really happened that led to his passing,”

said Somdizsela.

Tributes pour in for His Majesty

Tributes have been pouring in on social media after news of the King’s death was revealed.  President Cyril Ramaphosa noted the work the King did in uniting the Royal Family:

“We reach out in mourning to the amaMpondo Kingdom at the passing of a distinguished leader who made an important contribution to uniting the Royal Family and the amaMpondo community, which are important constituents of our greater nationhood,”

said Ramaphosa.

SABC News reported that the AmaXhosa Kingdom also sent its condolences to the AmaMondo Kingdom. Spokesperson Prince Ndebele Mtoto described the King’s passing as shocking, adding that His death came at a time when the Kingdom was working on unity.

“His passing come at the time the Kingdom was making great strides in bring unity and much development to the people of the Kingdom. We pray that his soul will rest in peace. And that the greater Royal family of AmaMpondo will be comforted by the knowledge ourselves as their family and siblings in the Kingdom of AmaXhosa are with them in this great loss,

said Prince Ndebele.

King Goodwill Zwelithini’s sister Princess Thembi Zulu-Ndlovu dies

Previously, it was reported that the late AmaZulu King Goodwill Zwelithini’s sister, Princess Thembi Zulu-Ndlovu passed away. Zulu-Ndlovu was rushed to hospital and passed away later on the same day. 

Princess Thembi Zulu-Ndlovu was half-sister to the late AmaZulu king. She and her brother Prince Mbonisi Zulu were amongst the ones opposing the kingship of king-elect Misuzulu kaZwelithini. 

They wanted King Goodwill Zwelithini’s first born son, Prince Smakade to be the next AmaZulu King. They later became known as royal rebels. The wheelchair-bound Princess was sickly as she had been in and out of hospital. Read the full story here.