King Zwelithini honoured with special official funeral

The Zulu monarch passed away on Friday morning in hospital at the age of 72 after a long illness. 

The funeral will entail ceremonial elements provided by the South African National Defence Force. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also authorised that the national flag be flown at half-mast at every flag station in the country from Saturday morning until the evening of the funeral service. 

“President Ramaphosa has expressed his sincere condolences to the Royal Family, to the Zulu nation, and to the people of KwaZulu-Natal and beyond - for whom the Ingonyama was an important symbol of history, culture and heritage,” said the Presidency’s acting spokesperson, Tyrone Seale.  

The king, whose reign spanned over five decades, is the longest serving monarch in the history of the Zulu nation.

 The Zulu royal family is expected to make announcements about what will unfold over the next coming days.

Last night the siblings of King Goodwill Zwelithini and close relatives gathered just outside the palace gates where they sat in a circular formation. 

Once the blanket of night had fully prevailed they then got up faced the royal palace gates, bowed and simultaneously sang praise before walking off.