Zulu Queen laid to rest amid family tension in Nongoma
Two families, cultures and nations will unite in their grief once again, when the memorial service of Zulu Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu gets underway in Nongoma.
The regent was interred in a private ceremony in the early hours of the morning.
The 65-year-old passed away unexpectedly in a Johannesburg hospital a week ago.
In a dramatic turn of events, the late Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini's first wife - Queen Sibongile Dlamini, went on to legally challenge her husband's will.
The late queen was interred last night during a private family sendoff at the KwaKhangela palace where she resided, marking the end of a chapter, and the start of a new and possibly lengthy one - a legal tussle.
It's no secret now that the late king Goodwill Zwelithini's first wife, queen Sibongile Dlamini is launching a legal battle that challenges the acquisition stake of the king's estate saying since they were married in community of property she should therefore be entitled to half of his estate.
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Her two daughters have also launched their legal challenge, which centres around the will alleging elements of fraud around it.
Those matters were scheduled to be heard on Friday at the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
However, a spokesperson for the royal family has confirmed that the matter has been postponed - owing to the fact that a number of respondents, including Premier Sihle Zikalala and President Cyril Ramaphosa, will be in attendance at the KwaKhangela palace for the late Queen's memorial service.
We're also informed that the decision to postpone the court sitting is out of respect for the grieving royal family.
Indications are also that once the matter gets before the high court, it will likely be a proceeding closed off from the media who have been kept in the dark at some at various stages of these events.
We do know that among those who will be present today are high level national and provincial government dignitaries as well as many royals both from the KZN and eSwatini kingdoms, along with other guests who will be placed in the marquees set up on the grounds of the palace.
It's here that the late queen's eulogy will be heard as well as final messages of farewell.
