King Makhosonke II given a befitting final farewell after four decades of leadership

KWAMHLANGA – Thousands of mourners gathered in KwaMhlanga on 14 June 2026 to bid farewell to King Enock Makhosonke II Mabhena, who was remembered and honoured during a befitting final farewell following a 40-year reign as leader of the AmaNdebele nation..

The 65-year-old king, who passed away on 09 June 2026 at his home in KwaNdebele, Vaalbank, was honoured with a Category 1 Special Official Memorial Service attended by government officials, traditional leaders and dignitaries from across Southern Africa.

During the memorial service, family spokesperson Mbulawa Mabhena said the royal family would announce the king’s successor at an appropriate time.

“We know everyone wants to know who will succeed the late King. However, as a family, we will announce his successor when the time is right. For now, allow us time to mourn,” he said.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered the keynote address and handed the South African flag to Queen Sekhothali Mabhena in honour of the late king.

“King Makhosonke II was a transformative monarch who prioritised education and health. Guided by ancestral wisdom, his initiatives secured the physical and spiritual wellbeing of his people,” said Mashatile.

King Makhosonke II is survived by his three wives, Mma Na-Magane, Mma Na-Mnguni Prisca and Queen Sekhothali Mabhena, as well as his three daughters.

Queen Regent Manyaku Maria Thulare of the Bapedi Nation urged unity and respect during the mourning period.

“For respect and dignity, let us honour the legacy of King Makhosonke II. We will solve internal matters as a family,” she said.

Princess Ketumile Ingrid Mabhena reaffirmed her father’s vision of a united AmaNdebele nation and defended his legacy.

“My father was determined in his last days to resolve the issue of the kingship. Premier, correct your statement. He was not king of the amaNdebele akwaManala, but of the AmaNdebele nation as a whole,” she said.

She urged the nation to continue pursuing his vision of unity.

“His mission to unite the AmaNdebele must not die with him. We must keep it alive,” she said.

Prince Morena Masupha David Seeiso of Lesotho also appealed for dignity and respect during the mourning period.

“Please allow my daughter to mourn her late husband. Then, after that, she will leave in peace,” he said.

Traditional leaders from across the region paid tribute to the late monarch. Inkosi Mgendela Gama of Songea, Tanzania, described his passing as a loss to African traditional leadership.

“His passing is a loss to African traditional leadership. Our kingdoms may be separated by borders, but we remain united by shared history and culture,” he said.

Princess Dr Nikiwe Bam of Afrikan Indigenous Leaders described King Makhosonke II as a unifier.

“His Majesty was a true leader with integrity. He welcomed young people, valued education and was committed to bringing people together,” she said.

The University of Mpumalanga, students and the Motsepe Foundation also paid tribute to King Makhosonke II for his support of education and efforts to uplift the isiNdebele nation.

MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Speedy Mashilo said the late king’s contribution to governance and community development would be remembered.

As tributes continued, speakers reflected on King Makhosonke II’s four decades of leadership and his efforts to promote unity, education and development among the AmaNdebele people.