‘We looked up to her to lead us’ - Zikalala mourns passing of Zulu Queen

Prime Minister to the Zulu nation and monarch, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, confirmed Dlamini Zulu’s passing in a statement on Thursday night. 

The regent Queen and great wife of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini died on Thursday.

Her passing comes a month after the AmaZulu nation planted its King.

She took the throne a little over a month ago as the nation waits for the late monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekulu’s successor to be chosen.

Zikalala says the province was looking forward to her leadership.

“Following pronouncements by the Royal Family only recently that Her Majesty would become a regent, we looked up to her to lead us during these most difficult and unprecedented times in the history of our province. 

“Her Majesty had stepped into a great tradition of distinguished women who shaped history by leading in different complex and challenging epochs, breaking barriers and stereotypes in the process.

“Her Majesty was a bridge between the two monarchies and nations, a role which she performed with aplomb. On various occasions such as the opening of the Legislature and many important occasions in the province, we were honoured to be graced with Her Majesty's presence, in all her regal glory, alongside His Majesty the King.”

“As the pall of gloom once again hangs over the homes of KZN citizens, we are deeply hurt and visibly pained by the tragedy of Her Majesty’s demise.  We ask the nation to put the royal family in its thoughts and prayers, for the harsh reality of losing both pillars of the family in such quick succession must be extremely difficult to bear,” added Zikalala.

Zikalala said the provincial government will suspend most of its activities to pay its respects to the Queen.

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