Queen Mantfombi appointed regent of Zulu nation, 3 months of mourning declared

President Cyril Ramaphosa pays his respects to the grieving widows of King Goodwill Zwelithini during a memorial service on Thursday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa pays his respects to the grieving widows of King Goodwill Zwelithini during a memorial service on Thursday.
Image: Elmond Jiyane

Queen Mantfombi Dlamini has been made regent of the Zulu nation.

AmaZulu traditional prime minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi made the announcement after a marathon meeting of members of the Zulu royal family and the late King Goodwill Zwelithini's lawyers on Wednesday at KwaKhethomthandayo Palace.

Speaking after the meeting, Buthelezi told journalists that Queen Mantfombi becomes the regent in an “interregnum” — until an official successor is named.

He said an official three-month mourning period had been declared, adding that there should be no expectation of a new king when it comes to an end.

“Three months is for mourning, it is for family mourning according to our tradition and she cannot do anything while in mourning, she will be assisted by the royal council in the meantime,” said Buthelezi.

This is a developing story.

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