King Goodwill Zwelithini of the Zulu people in South Africa died on Friday at the hospital where he was being treated for diabetes-related problems.
The king, 72, was the leader of South Africa’s largest ethnic group, the Zulu. He had been taken to KwaZulu-Natal hospital last week to monitor his ongoing diabetes, according to a report from the Demirören News Agency (DHA).
The royal family announced in a statement that King Zwelithini’s diabetes-related condition suddenly deteriorated and he died early in the morning.
The King’s Prime Minister thanked South Africa for its “continued prayers and support in this most difficult time”.
Zwelithini had been ill for about a month before he died. Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi previously announced that King Zwelithini’s condition was being treated with caution due to the risks of COVID-19.
There were rumors that Zwelithini had died in early February, which Buthelezi called “cruel” and “irresponsible”.
King Zwelithini ruled the Zulu nation under the traditional leadership clause in South Africa’s Republican constitution. His role was largely ceremonial, and he was the longest-serving Zulu monarch. After his father’s death in 1968, he was the heir to the throne at the age of 20. Since then, his reign lasted over 50 years. However, he was not crowned in two years because he hid after receiving death threats.
Zulus are a Nguni ethnic group in southern Africa. They are the single largest ethnic group and nation in South Africa with an estimated 10-12 million people living mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Given that South Africa’s population is 59 million, Zulu people make up 20% of the country. Zulu formed a powerful state in 1816 under leader Shaka. Shaka united what was once an association of tribes into an impressive empire under Zulu hegemony. He developed a militarized system with a standing army that learned combat tactics. In 1879, Zulu warriors had their greatest success in waging war against 1,500 British troops. Nowadays, Zulu people are part of South Africa.
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