By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Family members, traditional leaders, government representatives, and members of the public gathered at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, to accompany the King of amaNdebele His Majesty King Makhosonke II – Enock Makhosonke Mabena to his final resting place on Sunday 14 June 2026.
Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, delivered the eulogy for the late King who received a Special Official Funeral Category 1 service, which included a guard of honour formed by the SANDF(South African National Defence Force) as the coffin, draped in the national flag, entered the stadium.
King Makhosonke II, who sadly passed away on 9 June 2026 at the age of 65, was recognised for his leadership, contribution to the AmaNdebele Nation, and service to the people of South Africa.
Traditional AmaNdebele regiments led the procession, their shields and spears a reminder of the history the King carried.
As the service continued, tributes poured in from CONTRALESA(Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa), the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, and political parties.
Deputy President Mashatile, representing President Cyril Ramaphosa who was unable to attend the proceedings reportedly due to ill health, said King Makhosoke II was a transformative Monarch who prioritised education and health for the betterment of his people, guided by ancestral wisdom.
He said the late King’s initiatives aimed to enhance the future of the Kingdom while ensuring the physical and spiritual wellbeing of those he led.
“Through various initiatives, he ensured that his people were not only enlightened and economically empowered but also active participants in preserving life, dignity, and communal harmony,” Said Mashatile.
Furthermore, the Deputy President said, since ascending the throne in 1986, His Majesty led with dignity and humility for four decades, preserving the sacred traditions that kept amaNdebele songs, murals, and rituals vibrant.
“He viewed heritage as a living force that shapes identity and strengthens community,” said Mashatile.
Mpumalanga Premier, Mandla Ndlovu, also extended his condolences to the bereaved royal family and the entire amaNdebele for such a great loss.
Premier Ndlovu praised His Majesty King Makhosonke ll for leading his people with absolute dedication and dignity.
According to Premier Ndlovu, King Makhosonke II deeply valued leadership, that included listening and learning from his people.
He added that the late King would pay any price to keep amaNdebele and the people of Mpumalanga united, even when doing so brought great inconvenience to himself and his kingdom, which is quality that will be eternally acknowledged by generations to come.
“ Death has laid his icy hands on our beloved King
Makhosonke II. We today had to wear our black clothes to honour and bid farewell to a son of the African soil and one of the greatest to emerge from the former KwaNdebele.
“ We bid farewell to a leader of not only the Ndebele kaManala people, but all our people especially those who are toiling against underdevelopment and all forms of deprivation,” said Premier Ndlovu.
The late King served as Chairperson of the Enkangala District House of Traditional Leaders, rose to Deputy Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, and was entrusted as a Member of the inaugural National House of Traditional Leaders, where he presided as Chairperson of the Traditions, Customs and Culture Committee.
Other guests at the funeral service included;
Queen Regent Thulare of Bapedi, President of CONTRALESA-Kgoši Lameck Mokoena,
Kings Vulikhaya Sigcawu of the AmaXhosa,King
Dalimvula Matanzima of AbaThembu base Rhode, King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase of Amampondo ase Nyandeni, Queen Masalanabo Modjadji of Balobedu, as well as various MECs from the Mpumalanga provincial government, Ward Councillors, Executive Mayors, to mention but a few.
Dalimvula Matanzima of AbaThembu base Rhode, King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase of Amampondo ase Nyandeni, Queen Masalanabo Modjadji of Balobedu, as well as various MECs from the Mpumalanga provincial government, Ward Councillors, Executive Mayors, to mention but a few.
