Zikalala reeling after passing of Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu
KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala has described the late Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu as a bridge between two monarchies and nations.
The great wife, of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, and regent of the Zulu nation passed away last night.
She was 65-years-old.
READ: Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu passes away
Zikalala's released a statement saying the provincial government's shocked and devastated.
He says Queen Dlamini Zulu's passing is a double blow to the royal family, the people of KZN and the nation.
Zikalala says they're battling to come to terms with her death, because the Zulu nation is still in a period of mourning following the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini, seven weeks ago.
"It is with profound sadness that we have received the heart-wrenching news of the untimely passing of Her Majesty the Queen. This is yet another tragedy of monumental proportions to befall the province and the people of KwaZulu-Natal."
"With sorrow etched across our faces as we are reeling at the devastating news of Her Majesty’s passing, we extended our most heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the province of KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of eSwatini.
The royal palace announced that the Queen died unexpectedly last night, without giving more details, but said her passing's left them, "utterly bereft."
Dlamini-Zulu -- whose brother is Eswatini's King Mswati the Third -- was reportedly hospitalised just weeks after her husband was laid to rest.
They were married in 1977 and had eight children.
Meanwhile the KZN government says as the province and country observe a period of mourning - it will scale down and suspend most of its activities.
READ: Ramaphosa sends condolences at passing of Zulu Queen
