AmaNdebele King Makhosonke II Dies at 65

AmaNdebele akwaManala monarch King Enoch Makhosonke Mabhena has passed on. Mabhena died on Tuesday at the age of 65 after long illness.

The king died after serving as traditional leader of the amaNdebele nation for four decades, making him one of the country’s longest-serving and most influential monarchs.

President Cyril Ramaphosa led tributes to the late king, extending condolences to the Royal Household and Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali.

In a statement issued by the Presidency, Ramaphosa praised the monarch’s contribution to nation-building and community development.

“We will in due course pay tribute to the king as a pillar of national unity in diversity and as a champion of development, with education and land restitution as part of his vision,” the President said.

The king was widely respected for his leadership and dedication to advancing the interests of the amaNdebele people. Throughout his reign, he championed education, cultural preservation and land restitution, while advocating for economic empowerment and development within traditional communities.

His death marks the end of an era for the amaNdebele nation, which he led through significant social and political changes over the past 40 years.

Messages of condolence have begun pouring in from political leaders, traditional authorities and communities across South Africa. Tributes have also emerged from the Basotho nation, reflecting the close ties through Queen Sekhothali’s heritage.

The Presidency said the nation stands in solidarity with the amaNdebele people during this difficult period as they mourn a leader whose legacy will be remembered for generations.

The Royal Household is expected to announce details of memorial services and funeral arrangements in the coming days.