‘Madiba had a high regard for King Goodwill Zwelithini’ – Mandla Mandela

Zulu maidens and regiments, high-profile dignitaries and royals will pay their final respects at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in KwaNongoma before the departed monarch is planted through the night. 

His body will arrive from the mortuary before sunset, met by heavy rains - a sign of good fortune.  

King Zwelithini died last week Friday in Durban, at the age of 72, after a month’s treatment in hospital for diabetes-related illness.  

In the days leading to his send-off, the monarch has been hailed as a leader of goodwill, integrity and honour. 

Former president Nelson Mandela's grandson, Mandla Mandela has also added his voice to the large group of mourners at the Royal Palace.  

He told media the two families enjoy years of a fruitful relationship.  

“Madiba, upon his release, came several times to meet His Majesty and I also recall as a young boy in 1993 coming with my grandfather in a helicopter to Nongoma to come and meet the King. 

“My grandfather is one who had high regard for Isilo (the King) and we will forever remember, as the Mandela family in particular, the role Isilo played during the transition period where the country at large was almost engulfed by conflicts and he played an instrumental role in restoring peace; not only in KwaZulu-Natal but throughout the country,” Mandela said.  

“We truly mourn with the royal family and the Zulu Kingdom and we came to sit and comfort their majesties, the Queens and the royal family to say that we share our heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Majesty.” 

Mandela added he hopes that the two families will continue their ties, despite the King’s passing.  

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It’s unclear how many people have descended to the province to pay homage to the King. 

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize expressed concern about the large delegates making their way to the Royal Palace. 

“We wish to express condolences to the royal house. We know that all of them don’t feel that they will close this chapter unless they’ve been to meet with the royal house. We are aware that all of the people are in real distress. We want to really appeal though that let’s try and grieve in our homes and not move in large numbers to come into the royal house. 

“The message has to be that Covid-19 is still with us and Covid-19 regulations are still enforced. It’s important to say that while we’re going through a difficult mourning situation, we should not turn that into a super spread event and therefore everything needs to be done to respect the restrictions,” Mkhize said. 

Mkhize urged mourners to heed to the call to stay home, despite the need to observe tradition.  

“The fewer the people who will be coming here, the better. Although it’s against our culture, our practises, our traditions but nevertheless we understand, we are trying to save lives.” 

An official memorial will be held for the monarch on Thursday where President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy.