Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini is heartbroken following the death of his sister Queen Noloyiso Sandile, who died of Covid-19 on Wednesday.
This was revealed by a member of the Zulu royal family on Thursday.
Zulu Royal family spokesperson and Sandile’s brother, Mbonisi kaBhekuzulu, said Zwelithini tried to save his sister’s life.
kaBhekuzulu said, “It is sad news indeed to us as the family and the entire Zulu nation and to the AmaRharhabe kingdom. My king tried his level best to assist her sick sister but could not save her. He is heartbroken. This is a blow the country, Zulu nation and the AmaRharhabe nation.”
KaBhekuzulu said his sister’s marriage to Maxhoba Sandile had brought unity between the AmaRharhabe and Zulu nations.
He also said the Zulu royal family would await communication from the AmaRharhabe nation before making any further pronouncements.
“We were in constant communication with the AmaRharhabe royal family and they made sure my king was kept informed all the time regarding her condition, but the news of her passing came as a shock”, he said.
Zwelithini will indicate at a later stage if he will attend the funeral.
Queen Noloyiso Sandile died of Covid-19 at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in East London.
Buffalo City Mayor Xola Pakati has also mourned the death of Queen Sandile.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also expressed his profound sadness at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Noloyiso Sandile, Regent of the Royal House of the amaRharhabe.
Part of his statement reads: ”
“At a time when we face a grave public health emergency in the form of coronavirus, Queen Noloyiso actively mobilised support for the national effort to combat the pandemic, including calling on communities to halt traditional initiations. The united stand taken by the seven kingdoms in this regard was a critical intervention to save lives, and we owe a debt to the Queen for the role she played. We join the Great Place of Mngqesha and amaRharhabe in mourning her passing; at the same time we pay tribute to her for her deep and unwavering commitment to the upliftment of her people and to her country. May her soul rest in peace.”