Queen Regent’s passing a sad shock to KZN
‘LOSING the pillars of the family and the nation in such a quick succession is extremely difficult to bear’.
This was the sentiment of the KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala following the untimely passing of the Regent of the Zulu nation, Queen Siyizwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu on Thursday night.
Her death was confirmed by the Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and nation, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who the Queen’s death had taken everybody by surprise and left them 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,’ said Buthelezi.
Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu (65) was appointed as Regent when her husband King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu died last month, and the royal family was in three months' mourning before the next monarch was expected to be named.
During her appointment it was mentioned that she was chosen in accordance with the late king’s wishes
She was King Zwelithini’s third wife, and was considered to this position as she was from the Ezwatini royal family.
Her firstborn son, Misuzulu is said to be the front runner for the throne, and this was expected to be announced after the mourning period.
Zikalala said this is yet another tragedy of monumental proportions to befall the province.
‘It is an unfathomable double blow not only to the royal family, but to the people of this province and the nation in its entirety.
'Even more shattering is that Her Majesty has left us in the middle of the mourning period for our beloved monarch, King Zwelithini kaBhekuZulu.
‘She was a bridge between the two monarchies and nations, a role which she performed with aplomb.
'On various occasions such as the opening of the Legislature, we were honoured to be graced with Her Majesty's presence, in all her regal glory, alongside His Majesty the King,’ Zikalala said.
Zikalala said they are in constant contact with the royal family, and as government they will do their part to provide support to the royal family and the nation, who are understandably distraught at moment.
‘The Provincial Government calls on all citizens to observe the period of mourning; and we will scale down, and suspend most of our activities as part of paying our respect to Her Majesty the Queen. I am communication with the President of the Republic and the National Government regarding these latest, most unfortunate developments,’ he said.
The IFP president, Velenkosini Hlabisa, said the tragic and expected loss of the Regent came as terrible blow so soon after the passing of the late
King Zwelithini and they are devastated by the second painful loss.
‘On behalf of the IFP, I extend to the Royal Family our deepest condolences. His Majesty’s widows, the Queens, will be in our prayers, as will the Queen Mother and all members of the Royal Family. We pray that they will be strengthened in spirit and comforted by the Lord.'