Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied
A new leader has been chosen for the Zulu nation – on a temporary basis, anyway. Queen Mantfombi MaDlamini Zulu will briefly take the wheel while a permanent successor is chosen. It’s thought that one of her sons with King Zwelithini, who passed away last week, will eventually assume the throne.
As a queen consort, she has enjoyed the same monarchal status as her husband, without the extent of his powers. She will, however, assume the political and protective responsibilities during her interim spell in charge. The news was confirmed earlier on Sunday, thrusting the 64-year-old into the spotlight:
AmaZulu Queen Mantfombi MaDlamini Zulu will be interim leader of the Zulu nation. The queen will rule until she names her successor. This follows the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini last week.
— uSma Kumalo (@Smanga_Kumalo) March 21, 2021
It’s not clear how long the process to name a full-time successor to King Zwelithini will take. But it appears the Zulu nation is in good, familiar hands with MaDlamini Zulu. Here’s what you need to know about the senior royal:
This is a developing story and we’ll have more updates on our homepage, as the day progresses