Late Zulu Queen to receive official Provincial Funeral
By CELANI SIKHAKHANE
The premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Sihle Zikalala, has applauded the decision by president Cyril Ramaphosa to honour the late Zulu Regent, Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi MaDlamini Zulu by designating her a Special Provincial Funeral.
Zikalala announced that Ramaphosa has honoured the Queen with an Official Funeral Category 2.
Zikala said that in terms of Chapter 1.5.2 (a) of the State, Official and Provincial Funeral Policy Manual, the president of the country may designate a funeral of a distinguished person as a Special Provincial Official Funeral.
Queen Mantfombi was appointed as the interim leader of the Zulu Kingdom, under the title of Queen Regent, on 21 March 2021.
Her appointment came after the bowing out of King Goodwill Zwelithini on March 12, 2021.
Her Majesty the Queen passed away on Thursday, April 29, 2021 after an illness.
“We applaud president Cyril Ramaphosa for bestowing Her Majesty with an Official Funeral.
“It is a befitting recognition of the role played by Her Majesty the Queen in the community and in promoting good moral values in society” said Zikalala.
“Her Majesty played a major role in the community. She ran a programme for orphaned children. She 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 in conflict resolution and promoting peace” added Zikalala.
Zikalala has appointed a team of four MECs to work with the Royal Family to facilitate a fitting farewell for Her Majesty the Queen.
The MECs have met with the Royal Family and have been advised of the following:
The mortal remains of 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.
