Heartfelt tributes as SA mourns Zulu Queen
Tributes are pouring in following the sudden passing of Regent of the Zulu Nation, Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu.
Queen Dlamini-Zulu was born into Swaziland's royal family in 1956.
READ: Ramaphosa sends condolences at passing of Zulu Queen
Her father was the King of Eswatini - her brother is its current ruler, Mswati the third.
She was engaged to King Goodwill Zwelithini in 1973.
The regent became the Zulu monarch's third wife, when they wed four years later.
As part of their marriage agreement and due to her royal status, Dlamini Zulu was given the title of "great queen" out of the King's six wives.
READ: Zikalala reeling after passing of Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu
Her sons were also made heirs to the throne. Dlamini Zulu leaves behind eight children.
Following Zwelithini's death in March, she became interim leader of the Zulu nation last month. She was reportedly hospitalised recently.
South Africans have taken to social media to send their condolences.
Personally and on behalf of government and all South Africans, I offer my sincerest condolences to the Royal Family and the Zulu nation. We extend our thoughts, prayers and hearts once more to the Royal Family who, in the midst of mourning the passing of the beloved King, pic.twitter.com/OU1VzioZF5
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 30, 2021
Her Majesty. The Queen👑 Royal Highness #AfricanPrincess: #MantfombiDlamini. Daughter of King Sobhuza II of Swaziland. Principal Wife 2 Isilo Goodwill Zwelithini. Princess of eSwatini, Queen Consort & until this day- Regent of AmaZulu. Bayede #Ndlovukazi ✊🏿#RIPQueenMantfombi 💖 pic.twitter.com/f5ngORGxQr
— Asanda Magaqa 🇿🇦 (@asandamagaqa) April 29, 2021
We are left with pictures, 💔
— Mfundoyakhe Shezi 🇿🇦 (@Mfundoyakhe_S) April 29, 2021
God heal the Zulu Nation during this time.🙏#RIPQueenMantfombi pic.twitter.com/veoDlw1m4U
Rest in peace Her Majesty Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu. Grand daughter of Somhlolo, daughter of King Sobhuza II, sister to King Mswati III and Queen of the Zulu nation.. #RIPQueenMantfombi pic.twitter.com/CvtWEgnEJM
— #KingBebe 💙👑 (@KingMntungwa) April 29, 2021
The passing of iNdlovukazi is still unbelievable. The rain we see since after midnight. Bayede Ndlovukazi, lala uphumule🙌🏾 #RIPQueenMantfombi
— Nomcebo Mgaga (@Hyaceebo) April 30, 2021
