On April 29, South Africa was thrown in to mourning when the death of traditional ruler of Zulu land was announced by the prime minister of the Zulu kingdom, Prince Mangosuthi Buthelezi.
“it is with deepest shock and distress that the royal family announces the passing of her majesty, Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, regent of the Zulu Nation”, Prime minister, Prince Buthelezi said.
The Prime minister dispels rumors that there is currently a power tussle within the royal family which may lead to a leadership vacuum in the kingdom.
“this has taken us by surprise and left us utterly bereft. 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”, said Prime Buthelezi.
According to Prince Buthelezi, the queen was not poisoned as rumored. He told local media that she has been sick for a while.
Burial arrangements for the late queen will be announced “in due course”, Prince Buthelezi told local media.
Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, was 65. The regent died a month after she was installed queen, following the death of her husband Goodwill Zwelithini, the King. King Goodwill was diabetic and died due to its complications.
According to the late King’s will, Queen Dlamini, third wife is to be installed as ruler pending when a permanent ruler is to be decided upon and installed.
According to reports, late Queen Dlamini held very important positions amongst the wives of the late monarch, King Goodwill. This is probably because she was royal by birth. Queen Dlamini is the sister of King Mswati III, the only African absolute monarch of Eswatini.
The Zulu tribe is said to be the most populous tribe in Southern Africa. The are estimated at about 10 to 12 million people. IsiZulu, the Zulu language is also said to be the most spoken language in Southern Africa.
Although, the Zulu monarchs does not possess political power, they exercise a huge influence in South Africa. They control hectares of land, held under a certain trust in the country.
