State broadcaster SABC reported that the AmaRharhabe royal family
had confirmed the sudden passing of the regent queen, Noloyiso Sandile.
She was 56.
The broadcaster said Sandile had been admitted at a hospital for COVID-19 related complications.
The deceased is a sister to the current Zulu monarch, King Goodwill
Zwelithini. She was married to the AmaRarhabe King Maxhoba Sandile for
over two decades until his death in 2011.
She was then made the regent queen until her son, Prince Jonguxolo Sandile, took over when he came of age.
“Our condolences to the House of Rharhabe,’’ Bantu
Holomisa leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) party wrote in a
tweet. Several others have also expressed their shock and sadness at
the queen’s demise.
South Africa has 10 officially recognized kingdoms representing
various ethnic groups whose leaders play largely ceremonial roles and
settle minor disagreements.
A number of high ranking South Africans including politicians have contracted the disease and some have died as a result.
On Monday, Gordon Kegakilwe, a provincial member of the Executive
Council responsible for cooperative governance, human settlement, and
traditional affairs in the North West government, died due to COVID-19.
On Wednesday, a spokesman of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), Ricardo Mthembu died after contracting the disease.
The heads of government in the Western Cape Province and the North West also said this week they had contracted COVID-19.
South Africa has the highest number of COVID-19 infections in
Africa with 215,855 cases. At least 3,502 people have died from the
disease since the first death was reported in the country three months
ago.
Officials are expecting an increase in infections, as the country
is currently in the winter season. They have set up several field
hospitals and isolation centers to deal with the anticipated surge.
-Anadolu
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