South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences after the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II, the revered monarch of the AmaNdebele nation.
The King died on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, at the age of 65, bringing an end to a reign that spanned four decades.
In an official statement released shortly after the announcement, the President described the moment as one of deep national sorrow and paid tribute to the late monarch’s long-standing leadership and service to his people.
A Four-Decade Reign Comes to an End
King Makhosonke II, born Enock Makhosonke Mabhena, served as the reigning leader of the AmaNdebele akwaManala for approximately 40 years.
His leadership began at a young age and continued through decades of cultural, social, and political change within the region.
His passing marks the conclusion of one of the longest-serving traditional reigns in the nation’s recent history, a period during which he was widely regarded as a custodian of cultural identity and heritage.
President Pays Tribute to Legacy of Unity and Development
President Ramaphosa highlighted the King’s broader contribution beyond traditional leadership, noting his commitment to national cohesion and development-oriented initiatives.
In his statement, he referred to the monarch as a “pillar of national unity in diversity.”
The President also acknowledged the King’s focus on key social priorities, including education and land restitution, describing these as central elements of his vision for the AmaNdebele people and broader society.
Condolences Extended to the Royal Household
The President expressed sympathy to the royal family, specifically mentioning Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali, as well as the wider AmaNdebele nation.
He also extended condolences to the Basotho community, noting the Queen’s lineage and the shared cultural ties between the groups.
He said the country stands in solidarity with the AmaNdebele nation during this period of mourning, emphasizing the shared sense of loss felt across South Africa.
Nation Mourns a Traditional Leader of Influence
As tributes continue to emerge, King Makhosonke II is being remembered as a significant figure in traditional leadership whose influence extended across generations.
Government officials indicated that formal memorial arrangements and official tributes will be announced in due course.
President Ramaphosa concluded his message by reaffirming national condolences to the royal household and acknowledging the King’s enduring legacy.
