Shenge Sets Record Straight for Ukutshalwa Kwesilo

By: Lindelani Mbatha

Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, has confirmed that the late King Goodwill Zwelithini will laid to rest tomorrow night.

Buthelezi has been briefing media on the King’s funeral plans.

On Sunday, the family announced that Isilo’s wish was to be buried at night and only by men in a private ceremony.

He says the royal family will do as per the wish of His Majesty.

Buthelezi says he has engaged government with regard to some individuals, who plan to break the lockdown regulations ahead of ISilo’s funeral.

The king’s body was supposed to lie in state at Khethomthandayo Royal Palace KwaNongoma, North of the province to allow the public to pay their respects.

This plan was scrapped after it emerged that the king’s death was as a result of COVID-19 related complications.

There is also brewing friction between the late King Zwelithini’s regiments and Buthelezi, over COVID-19 regulation compliance ahead of the burial this evening.

Regiment leader, Mlandeni Nhleko, has told the media that regardless of COVID-19 regulations restricting the number of people allowed to attend the ceremony, the regiments will proceed with their plans in preparation for the king’s burial.

Buthelezi has emphasised that all necessary measures to avert a crisis have been put in place.