OBITUARY: Longest reigning King of AmaZulu Zwelithini a ‘fountain of wisdom’ King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBekhuzulu died at the age of 72 after he had been in hospital for weeks for what was initially reported to be a problem with his blood glucose levels. FILE: Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini. Picture: GCIS
21 days ago
DURBAN – King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekhuzulu Zulu made history as the longest-serving monarch of the Zulu kingdom with a reign spanning over five decades.
Born on 14 July 1948 in Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal, he’s the eldest son of King Cyprian Bhekuzulu and his second wife, Queen Thomo.
Following his father’s passing in 1968, King Zwelithini - as he was often called - was appointed to the throne, he was just a 20-year-old student at the time.
CItizen reporter The longest serving monarch of the Zulu Kingdom passed away in the early hours of Friday morning. Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini s reign lasted more than 50 years. Picture: Gallo Images
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and nation, made the announcement through a statement saying the king’s health had taken a turn for the worse.
“It is with utmost grief that I inform the nation of the passing of his Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu, King of the Zulu nation,” Buthelezi said.
“Tragically, while still in hospital, his Majesty’s health took a turn for the worse and he subsequently passed away in the early hours of this morning.”
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