By Kaya 959 News
Four MECs have been assigned to assist the Royal family with funeral preparations for late Regent, Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala said MECs Peggy Nkonyeni, Bongi Sithole-Moloi, Sipho Hlomuka and Hlengive Mavimbela will facilitate a fitting farewell for the late Queen, who died last week at the age of 65.
Her Majesty was appointed as the interim leader of the Zulu Kingdom, under the title of Queen Regent, on 21 March 2021, after the bowing down of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini on 12 March 2021.
“The MECs have met with the Royal family and discussed matters around the Zulu Regent’s mortal remains and details of the funeral.
“The South African Police Service will provide ceremonial elements, while the national flag will be half-masted throughout the province of KZN on the day of the funeral.
COVID-19 safety protocols
Funeral proceedings will comply with all the COVID-19 lockdown regulations,” Zikalala said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has honoured the Queen with a Special Provincial Official Category 2 funeral.
“We applaud, His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, for bestowing Her Majesty with an Official Funeral which is a befitting recognition of the role played by Her Majesty the Queen in community uplifment and promoting good moral values in society,” he said.
“Her Majesty played a major role in the community. She ran a programme for orphaned children, assisted the needy children with school uniforms and worked a lot on women empowerment programs.
“In support of His Majesty the King, Her Majesty played a critical role in advising and supporting the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuZulu, in conflict resolution and promoting peace,” Zikalala said.
Private burial
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi said Her Majesty’s body will be transported from Johannesburg and the burial will take place on Thursday.
“In line with her wishes, as was done for His Majesty the King, Her Majesty will be interred at the crack of dawn in a private burial. As confirmed by her children, Her Majesty wished to be buried at her Royal Palace. Having discussed this with the Queen Mother, Queen Mayvis maZungu, it has been agreed that everything must be done in accordance with the late Regent’s wishes.
“A memorial service will be held on Friday at KwaKhangelamankengane Palace, which will be presided over by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church to which Her Majesty belonged. It is expected, however, that His Grace the Archbishop of the Anglican Church will also participate,” he said.
Her Majesty’s memorial service will be attended by members of the Royal families of both the Kingdom of Zululand and the Kingdom of eSwatini.
Royal family’s legal fight
Meanwhile, the legal fight over the late King’s will continues.
The King’s first wife, Queen Sibongile Dlamini, has applied for an urgent court interdict seeking to have the will set aside. She is further claiming half the royal estate.
She claims that she is entitled to half of the multimillion-rand royal estate as they were married in a civil ceremony in 1969.
The Queen argued that if the matter is not heard and a declaration on the issue of assets not be granted, her share of the inheritance could be at risk.



