SA Artists Pay Tribute To King Goodwill Zwelithini

SA Artists Pay Tribute To King Goodwill Zwelithini. King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu passes away at age 72. King Zwelithini took his last breath in a Durban hospital on Friday morning 12 March after serving as the Zulu royal monarch for almost 50. He had been admitted to hospital in KwaZulu-Natal last week to monitor his ongoing diabetes condition. Zwelithini was crowned as the eighth monarch of the Zulus at a traditional ceremony in Nongoma in KwaZulu-Natal, on December 3 1971 and became an influential traditional ruler. In a statement released on Friday, the traditional prime minister to the king, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, confirmed the tragic news. 

“It is with the utmost grief that I inform the nation of the passing of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu, King of the Zulu Nation. Tragically, while still in hospital, His Majesty’s health took a turn for the worse and he subsequently passed away in the early hours of this morning.” South African artists paid tribute to the late King on social media. Major League DJz wrote a heartfelt tribute message that reads: “Inkosi ikhotheme. The King lead the Great Zulu Kingdom with great leadership and integrity. He will be remembered as a fearless leader for generations and generations to come. Sithi lala kahle King Goodwill Zwelithini.” See more tweets:

Following his father’s passing in 1968, King Zwelithini was appointed to the throne – he was just a 20-year-old student at the time. He was the eldest son of King Cyprian and his second wife, Queen Thomo, and was educated at the Bekezulu College of Chiefs and then privately tutored. The king’s prime minister thanked South Africa for its continued prayers and support during a difficult time. “On behalf of the Royal Family, we thank the nation for your continued prayers and support in this most difficult time,” the statement read.