South Africa’s longest reigning monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini has passed away in hospital aged 72.
His death follows his admission to hospital two weeks ago to be treated for his diabetes.
Despite being King to the Zulus, he had no official power in today’s modern South Africa. He was the leader of 11 million Zulus, the largest ethnic group in South Africa, who strongly believe in ancestral spirits, who come in the form of illness or misfortune.
King Goodwill Zwelithini was born on 14th July 1948 and ascended to the throne in 1971 aged 20, following the passing of his late father.
Despite leading successfully for over five decades, many viewed him as a controversial King, due to his views on homosexuality and women. He was known to have revived traditions such as male circumcision in order to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS in 2009. The practice of male circumcision was formerly banned by a previous King because of the healing time and process, which caused many of the military to be unable to fight.
King Zwelithini was also known for fuelling xenophobic violence.
In response to the passing of their King, his government announced that all planned activities for the day would be cancelled.
In a statement released by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi on behalf of the royal family, they thanked the nation for their ‘continued prayers and support in this most difficult time’.
King Goodwill Zwelithini of the Zulus leaves behind 6 wives and 28 children.
Brooke Heneghan
Featured image courtesy of Reinhardth via Wikimedia Commons. Image licence found here. No changes have been made to this image.
