Pic: His Majesty King Makhosonke II Mabhena during a recent function held in KwaMhlanga
By Kopano Dibakwane
The fires at the royal kraal burned low, elders spoke in hushed tones, and across Mpumalanga, a generation of amaNdebele felt the weight of silence following the heartbreaking news of the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II Mabhena, of the amaNdebele nation on Tuesday 9 June 2026, at the age of 65.
Appointed in 1986, His Majesty was one of South Africa’s longest-serving traditional monarchs, dedicating his reign to cultural preservation, land restitution, and youth education.
Following the sombre announcement of the King’s passing, the Mpumalanga provincial government visited the royal home, led by Premier Mandla Ndlovu, alongside MEC for COGHSTA(Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement, and Traditional Affairs), Speed Mashilo, and other dignitaries, to pay their respects, comfort the family, and to assure that all necessary support will be provided until his sending off.
Ndlovu said His Majesty’s passing has left many in shock and sorrow, not only in Mpumalanga but across the Nation.
Premier Ndlovu described His Majesty King Makhosonke II Mabhena as a leader who stood firm in protecting heritage and empowering generations. He also thanked the bereaved family for standing together during this difficult time.
“ We know that in the main when death strikes, families will start to fight amongst themselves. The family is united, they welcomed us as governemnt and they accepted when we suggested the establishment of a task team to work with the family for the burial of King. We want to thanknthebsuppprt that we are getting from the people of former KwaNdebele, they are here in large numbers to mourn the passing of their highly intelligent King Mabhena,” said Premier Ndlovu.
King Mabhena’s untimely passing also caught the attention of South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, who equally expressed sadness following the devastating news of the reigning King of the amaNdebele nation.
“ His Majesty, the traditional leader of the amaNdebele akwaManala, has left us at the age of 65 after 40 years on the throne. My thoughts and prayers – and I know those of the nation – go out today to the Royal Household, Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali, amaNdebele and the Basotho nation from whom Her Majesty is descended. 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,” said President Ramaphosa.
