South Africa mourns late Zulu king

Zulus in South Africa have gathered outside the gates of the royal palace to bid farewell to King Goodwill Zwelithini.

This commemoration of the monarch's life took place 6 days after the Zulu king succumbed to a diabetes related illness. It was also reported that he had been battling Covid-19.

Ascending to the throne in 1968, Zwelithini ruled over South Africa's 11 million Zulus longer than any other monarch in Zulu history.

Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa, made his tribute to the king in both English and Zulu.

Cyril Ramaphosa: "It is a difficult day because a huge tree has fallen. [speaks in Zulu] Our nation is indeed in mourning."

Although the title of king bestowed no executive power on Zwelithini, he did hold a moral authority over his people. The king reinstated many traditional Zulu practices, which was seen by some as controversial. However, for many, this return to tradition allowed Zulus to engage with their heritage.

Gugulethu Chonco: "It is important to me 'cause that is where I found my, my identity as a Zulu woman. This is where I've learned about my culture, it's where I also tackled my own personal issues about, like, such as body image issues, low self-esteem. This is where I conquered all that 'cause when you're here nobody cares about your body size or body shape."

The king would normally be succeeded by the eldest son of his most senior wife. However, after his murder last November, a series of rituals lasting up to two years will now be performed to select the new heir.

During the memorial service, President Ramaphosa conveyed the sympathy of the South African people to the king's family and the Zulu people.

Cyril Ramaphosa: "On behalf of the people of South Africa, I express my deepest condolences to the royal family and to the Zulu nation on this profound loss."

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