South Africa: Death of Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu

This Friday morning, South Africans woke up to the news that Mantfombi Dlamini, Princess of Eswatini and Queen of the Zulus, had passed away, just one month after the death of her husband and Zulu king, Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu. The queen reportedly passed away on Thursday evening after only two days in hospital.

The Zulu nation is still in mourning. A month after the death of King Zwelithini, South Africans have just learned with sadness the news of the death of Mantfombi Dlamini, princess of Eswatini and queen of the Zulus. « It is with the deepest shock and distress that the royal family announces the unexpected death of Her Majesty Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu, the regent of the Zulu nation, » Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi released.

« This surprised us and left us completely speechless. It is true that the Lord alone knows the days he has allotted to each of us. On behalf of the royal family, I wish to assure the nation that while we are all rightly stricken with grief, there will be no leadership vacuum in the Zulu nation, » he added.

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi also revealed that the date of Her Majesty’s funeral would soon be announced. « Further announcements on Her Majesty’s funeral and arrangements will be made in due course. May Her Majesty, our regent, rest in peace, » he said.

The queen became interim ruler of the Zulu kingdom under the « Queen Regent » on 24 March 2021, following the death of her husband, King Zwelithini Goodwill, on 12 March 2021, until the next king is appointed. The Queen was hospitalised on 27 April 2021, until her death on 29 April 2021.

Messages of condolence and respect for the Queen have flooded social media. « I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the royal family, friends, colleagues, relatives and the entire Zulu nation. RIP Queen Mantfombi, » wished DJ Sbu. « Heartbroken, I cannot imagine the depth of grief in the royal family. My sincere condolences to all loved ones and the Zulu nation. May the royal soul of Queen Mantfombi rest in eternal peace, » wrote Prof Thuli Madonsela.