Parliament, Thursday, 11 June 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize, has noted with profound sadness the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II of the amaNdebele nation, who passed away this week at the age of 65.
On behalf of the committee, the Chairperson extended heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali, the Royal Household and the amaNdebele nation. “His Majesty’s passing is a great loss not only to the amaNdebele nation, but also to the institution of traditional leadership and to the country,” the Chairperson said. “For four decades, King Makhosonke II worked to preserve his people’s history and culture. His reign spanned our country’s entire democratic journey, and it is a democracy in which he tirelessly championed a place for the amaNdebele nation.”
The Chairperson said King Makhosonke II was the founding Chairperson of the Forum for South Africa’s Majesties, which serves to uphold the dignity of the Kings and Queens to ensure their wisdom and diversity of views on traditional leadership guide and strengthen our democracy. His Majesty also understood that traditional leadership was about more than safeguarding the past and believed it must also respond to present-day needs. “His Majesty understood that preserving culture must go hand in hand with social and economic progress and was an ardent believer that education and land restoration are central to this progress.
"The committee joins the rest of South Africa in honouring His Majesty’s life and leadership. We hope the amaNdebele Royal Household and nation will find comfort in knowing that His Majesty’s contribution will remain part of the history and living heritage of his people. His legacy will continue through the generations he guided and inspired.”
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE, DR ZWELI MKHIZE.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the Media Officer:
Name: Alicestine October
Cell: 083 665 4345
E-mail: aoctober@parliament.gov.za
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