No update on king’s hospital stay in ICU

PRINCE Mangosuthu Buthelezi does not have any additional information to communicate to the media regarding King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu’s hospitalisation.

IFP MP Liezl van der Merwe said when and if updates became available, Buthelezi would inform the media in his capacity as traditional prime minister to the Zulu nation and monarch.

On Sunday, Buthelezi alerted the Zulu nation that King Goodwill Zwelithini had been admitted to hospital because of his diabetes. “Over the past few weeks, several unstable glucose readings have raised concern, and His Majesty was required to visit a hospital in Zululand,” Buthelezi said.

But the king had to return to hospital “to stabilise his glucose levels once again. His doctors placed him in ICU.”

Buthelezi said preparations were made at an ethekwini hospital for the king. The unstable glucose issue was being treated with particular caution, especially since scientists warned that diabetes was considered a serious comorbidity under the pandemic. “I wish to assure the nation that the king is receiving the necessary care.”

Premier Sihle Zikalala wished the king a speedy recovery. “We are concerned by His Majesty’s ill health. His leadership qualities cannot be rivalled. He has been our father figure, guiding light, and pillar of strength in our tumultuous history as a nation.”

The EFF also wished the king a speedy recovery.