Kwa Zulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala, has on behalf of the Provincial Government, applauded the decision by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, to honour the late Regent to the Zulu-Nation, Her Royal Highness, Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, by designating her funeral as a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2.
In terms of Chapter 1.5.2 (a) of the State, Official and Provincial Funeral Policy Manual, the President may designate the funeral of a distinguished person as a Special Provincial Official Funeral.
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.
Her Majesty the Queen passed away on Thursday, 29 April 2021 after an illness.
“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” said Premier Sihle Zikalala.
“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” added Premier Zikalala.
The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal has appointed a team of four MECs to work with the Royal Family to facilitate a fitting farewell for Her Majesty the Queen.
The MEC’s Include:
• MEC for Transport and Community Safety – Peggy Nkonyeni
• MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development – Bongi Sithole-Moloi
• MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs – Sipho Hlomuka
• MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Hlengiwe Mavimbela
The MECs have met with the Royal Family and have been advised of the following:
The mortal remains of the Zulu Regent, Her Majesty the Queen, will depart Johannesburg and arrive at KwaNongoma on Wednesday the 5th May 2021. The funeral/ memorial service will take place on Friday, 07 May 2021.
The South African Police Service will provide ceremonial elements, while the National Flag will be half-masted throughout the Province of KwaZulu-Natal on the day of the funeral.
Funeral proceedings will comply with all the COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
Issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
For more information, please contact:
KZN Provincial Government Spokesperson Lennox Mabaso on 0828842403.
Or Mr Thami Ngidi on 06630666793