Double blow for mourning Zulu nation

Still in mourning after the recent passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini, the Zulu royal family – and the Zulu nation – were dealt a double blow last night at the announcing of the passing of Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, regent of the Zulu nation.

Expressing grief and shock at the sudden passing, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu monarch and nation, said, “This has taken us by surprise and left us utterly bereft”.

“It is true that the Lord alone knows the days that He has allotted to each one of us.

“On behalf of the royal family, I wish to assure the nation that while we are all rightly grief-stricken, there will be no leadership vacuum in the Zulu nation.”

This news comes after the queen was rushed to hospital on Wednesday.

Although her health status was kept private, it was believed she was recuperating.

Queen MaDlamini Zulu held the highest status among the king’s wives because of her royal background. She is Eswatini King Mswati III’s sister.

Buthelezi said further announcements on Her Majesty’s funeral would be made in due course.