DEPUTY President David Mabuza has paid tribute to Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, who died at the age of 72 on Friday.
King Zwelithini, who was known to have been a diabetic, died in hospital after being admitted in February due to “unstable glucose levels,” according to a statement released by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi on Friday.
Mabuza, speaking during the plenary of the SA National Aids Council, said King Zwelithini was a torchbearer who led the South African nation and the people of KwaZulu-Natal out of the grip of HIV/AIDS and TB, which has given meaning to the work of SANAC.
“The passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini is a major blow to the work of the South African National Aids Council, which he had immensely enriched,” said Mabuza.
“The passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini, makes this day all the more wrought with a twist of pain and a spear to the heart of all South Africans who identify with the ideals of development, justice and equality of opportunity of all genders. In the fight against the scourge of HIV/AIDS, TB and STIs, King Goodwill Zwelithini further played a pioneering role for the betterment of the lives of the people of KwaZulu-Natal and the entire South Africa. He took brave stance and spoke uncomfortable truths on prevailing socio-economic challenges facing our nation.”
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi said in a statement: “It is with utmost grief that I inform the nation of the passing of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini Kabhekuzulu, King of the Zulu nation. Tragically, while still in hospital, His Majesty’s health took a turn for the worse and he subsequently passed on in the early hours of this morning.”
“On behalf of the Royal Family, we thank the nation for your continued prayers and support in this most difficult time.”
King Zwelithini was the longest serving monarch of the Zulu Kingdom, and he was appointed to the throne at the age of 20 following the death of his father in 1968.
He was not crowned until 1971 due to security fears following a plot to have him killed.
The future King was born on 14 July 1948 as the eldest son of King Cyprian Bhekuzulu and his second wife Queen Thomo.
The Zulu Royal Family has thanked the nation for its continued prayers and support.
- Inside Metros