Tributes continue to pour in for His Majesty King Makhosonke II, King of the amaNdebele nation, who passed away on Tuesday.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, conveyed his condolences following the passing of the king at the age of 65.
“Minister Hlabisa extends his heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali, the Royal Family, the amaNdebele as a whole, and the broader traditional leadership fraternity during this difficult time,” the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) said on Wednesday.
The department added that throughout his reign, His Majesty showed a strong commitment to the development and empowerment of traditional communities.
In joining President Cyril Ramaphosa in his tribute to the King, the department added that the King played a key role in strengthening the amaNdebele community, preserving its cultural heritage, promoting social cohesion and fostering unity among his people.
“His leadership extended beyond the boundaries of his kingship, contributing to nation-building and encouraging peace, cooperation and mutual respect among communities across South Africa.
“As President Ramaphosa has noted, His Majesty was a pillar of national unity in diversity and a champion of development, with education and land restitution forming part of his enduring vision for his people,” said CoGTA.
READ | Condolences for His Majesty King Makhosonke II
The Minister said His Majesty was a respected traditional leader, and a nation-builder who brought people together and a unifying force.
“ As the inaugural Chairperson of the Forum for South Africa’s Majesties, he helped shape a new chapter of cooperation between government and traditional leadership. His commitment to the upliftment of communities and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage will remain an enduring legacy. South Africa has lost a distinguished leader whose contribution to nation-building will be remembered for generations to come,” Hlabisa said.
Culture and identity
Meanwhile, the National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC) also joined the nation in mourning the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II.
“The NHC extends its heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sekhotali, the Royal Family, the amaNdebele nation, and all those whose lives were touched by His Majesty's leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the preservation of culture and tradition,” said the NHC.
In its statement on Wednesday, the Council said traditional leaders occupy a unique and vital place in South Africa's heritage landscape.
“As custodians of indigenous knowledge systems, living heritage, customs, traditions, languages, and cultural practices, they play a critical role in safeguarding the nation's intangible cultural heritage for the current and future generations.”
It said that throughout his reign, King Makhosonke II championed the promotion and preservation of amaNdebele culture and identity.
“The NHC had the privilege of working alongside His Majesty on several cultural and heritage initiatives over the years. The Council supported several cultural events under his leadership. At the same time, His Majesty, in turn, welcomed and invited the NHC to participate in important cultural gatherings and heritage celebrations within the kingdom. These engagements reflected a shared commitment to preserving, promoting, and celebrating South Africa's rich living heritage.”
NHC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thabo Manetsi, said the passing of the King is the loss to the country’s heritage sector.
"The passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II is a profound loss not only to the amaNdebele nation but also to South Africa's broader heritage sector. He was a respected traditional leader who understood the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge systems, and the traditions that define communities,” said Manetsi.
The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) also conveyed its symphaties to the amaNdebele Nation.
PanSALB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keaobaka Seshoka, expressed the Board’s sympathies at the loss of the distinguished traditional leader and champion of indigenous languages.
“As the Board, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the amaNdebele nation and the royal family. The passing of His Majesty, Makhosonke Mabhena, is a profound loss not only to the amaNdebele nation but to the nation as a whole. We remain deeply grateful for his unwavering contribution toward the preservation and promotion of isiNdebele,” said Dr Seshoka.
The CEO said the King’s support for the advancement of the isiNdebele language and culture will remain an enduring legacy, helping to ensure that isiNdebele thrives for generations to come.
“As we bid farewell to this esteemed custodian of the isiNdebele language and culture, we do so with profound respect and gratitude. We honour his legacy by reaffirming our commitment to champion the promotion and protection of all our indigenous languages in the country,” she added.
PanSALB said His Majesty was instrumental in the launch of isiNdebele on the Wikipedia platform to increase its digital presence, a project spearheaded by the SWiP Project (SADiLaR, Wikipedia and PanSALB).
An early success of the project was the integration of isiNdebele into Wikipedia. Initially represented by only 11 articles in the Wikipedia Incubator, the language saw rapid growth to over 140 articles within a year, marking its transition to Wikipedia's main platform.
“PanSALB joins the amaNdebele nation, the royal family and all South Africans in mourning the loss of a revered leader and custodian of our language, culture and heritage,” it said. -SAnews.gov.za
