Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini will be laid to rest on Wednesday night by male members of the royal family.
This was announced by his siblings, Prince Mbonisi and Princess Thembi Zulu at the royal palace in Nongoma. A memorial service will be held on Thursday – the day that had been set aside as the official state funeral.
Zulu said the family welcomed messages of condolences that have been streaming in following the king’s death.
The monarch, who ruled the Zulu nation for over 50 years, died on Friday at the Chief Albert Luthuli Hospital. He had been hospitalised for about a month.
“We would like to thank the government for the support during our moment of mourning. We would also like to thank the doctors and medical staff for taking care of the king during the last days of his life,” Zulu said.
The royal family was at loggerheads as some members wished for the king to be kept in state.
However, AmaZulu traditional prime minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi said the King wished to be buried at night.
“After a very protracted meeting, the summary was that there was actually a consensus that the king actually requested that he should be buried at night as happened when his two late sons were buried. Prince Butho and Prince Lethukuthula were buried at night. And he asked to be buried by men only. It should be a private ceremony of the royal family.”
Buthelezi said the presidency will provide support for the king’s memorial service.
“We are fortunate that one of the sons-in-law of the king phoned the president while we were engaged because it is known that His Excellency President Ramaphosa declared a state funeral category 1 for His Majesty. So clearly, the president has confirmed that there won’t be what is called a state funeral but nevertheless, the presidency will support what can be described as a memorial service on Thursday.”
Former president Jacob Zuma yesterday described the late king as a fountain of wisdom from which several KwaZulu-Natal leaders learnt their leadership skills.
Addressing members of the Zulu royal family at the Khethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, Zuma said the king's passing left a void in the Zulu nation. “The big tree has fallen. The tree which for several decades provided a shelter to members of the Zulu nation is no more.
“The king, who taught us the value of respect, love and unity, is no more. No words can describe the loss and pain inflicted on the Zulu nation as a result of the king's passing,” he said.
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