King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu was the reigning monarch of the Zulu people of South Africa. Born in 27th July 1949 to late King Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon of Zulu, he was a descendant of the zulu royal kings and had reigned since 1971 when he was officially crowned.
The loved King passed away in 2021. The King had been hospitalised due to diabetes complications due to covid19 but was previously said to be recovering. The president had wished him a quick recovery during his address.
The late King who recently celebrated his 49th year coronation anniversary was formally crowned as Isilo or Ngoyama which means King in 1971 succeeding his father late King Cyprian Bhekuzulu who had died in 1968.
King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu was the most powerful and influential King in South Africa reigning recognised by the South African government according to the traditional leadership clause of the constitution.
The King was also the only monarch in KwaZulu Province in which he usually attended the opening of KwaZulu-Natal province Parliament.
King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu was married to six wives all who held the title of Queen of Zulu namely:
- Queen Sibongile Dlamini Zulu
- Queen Buhle Mathe Zulu
- Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu
- Queen Thandekile Ndlovu Zulu
- Queen Nomphumelelo Mamchiza Zulu
- Queen Zola Mafu Zulu
He had 40 children and leaves behind 37 including :
- late Prince Lethukuthula
- Prince Simakade
- Princess Sibusile
- Prince Misuzulu
- Prince Bambindlovu
- Princess Ntandoyesizwe
- Princess Nandi
- Princess Nomkhosi
- Princess Bukhosibemvelo
- Prince Shlobosenkosi
- Princess Nombuso
- Prince Nhlendlayenkosi
- Prince Nhlanganiso
- Prince Nhlangano
- Prince Buzabazi
- Princess Cebolabo
- Princess Mukelile
- Prince Sihlangu
- Prince Phumuzuzulu
- Princess Sinethemba
- Princess Ntombizosuthu
- Princess Ntandoyenkosi
- Princess Nqobangothando
- late Prince Butholesizwe
- Prince Lungelo
- Prince Mandlesizwe
- Prince Bizwekhaya
- Prince Masikwamahle
- late Princess Khombisile
- Princess Khonzinkosi
- Princess Thandeka
- Prince Nkanyiso
- Prince Kwazikwenkosi
- Prince Simengaye
- Prince Sibusisosezwe
- Prince Sibusiso
- Prince Simphiwe
He was the epitome of traditional royal leadership both in South Africa and Africa that put his kingdom on the world map.
King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu was planted on Wednesday night by Royal male members including his sons according to. Zulu tradition. A state memorial service was held on Thursday at kwakhethomthandayo royal palace. Condolences to the Queens, his children, grandchildren, family, friends and the Zulu people and nation.
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