King Makhosonke II Dies at 65, Leaving a Legacy of Unity and Service
TDS - 10 June 2026
The nation is mourning the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II (Enock Makhosonke Mabhena), the King of the amaNdebele Nation, who passed away on 9 June 2026 at the age of 65.
Tributes have poured in from government, traditional leaders and communities across the country, recognising his four decades of leadership and his contribution to cultural preservation, community development and nation-building.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, joined President Cyril Ramaphosa and the nation in mourning the loss of the monarch. The Minister extended condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali, the Royal Family, the amaNdebele Nation and the broader traditional leadership fraternity.
King Makhosonke II ascended to the throne in 1986 following the passing of his father, King William Mbhongo. During his 40-year reign, he became widely respected for his commitment to the promotion of Ndebele language education, land restoration and the preservation of cultural heritage.
According to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the King played a significant role in strengthening traditional communities, promoting social cohesion and fostering unity among his people. His influence extended beyond the boundaries of the amaNdebele Kingdom, contributing to peace, cooperation and mutual respect among diverse communities across South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described the King as a traditional leader whose vision included development, education and land restitution.
The President extended condolences to the Royal Household, Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali, the amaNdebele Nation and the Basotho people, from whom the Queen is descended.
One of King Makhosonke II's most significant recent contributions was his role in strengthening cooperation between government and traditional leadership. In October 2024, he was unanimously elected as the inaugural Chairperson of the Forum for South Africa's Majesties, a platform established to enhance collaboration between government, Kings, Queens and Principal Traditional Leaders on matters affecting traditional communities.
The King remained actively involved in the work of the Forum and recently participated in its Strategic Planning Session, where traditional leaders and government representatives worked together to advance development and strengthen the institution of traditional leadership.
Minister Hlabisa noted that King Makhosonke II was instrumental in shaping a new chapter of cooperation between government and traditional leadership, adding that his commitment to community upliftment and cultural preservation would remain an enduring legacy.
Traditional leaders from across South Africa have also expressed their condolences. His Majesty King Silosohlanga KaDakhile Sigcau and the Office of the King extended their deepest sympathies to the amaNdebele Royal House, the Royal Family and the amaNdebele Nation.
In a statement, King Silosohlanga reflected on the relationship between the late King Makhosonke II and the late King Zanozuko Tyelovuyo Sigcau, describing it as a reflection of the longstanding bonds of mutual respect, fraternity and unity among South Africa's traditional kingdoms.
"As the amaNdebele Nation mourns the loss of its monarch, we stand in solidarity with the Royal House and the people of the amaNdebele Kingdom during this time of sorrow and remembrance," the statement said.
The passing of King Makhosonke II marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the amaNdebele Nation. His legacy lives on through the institutions he strengthened, the communities he served and the values of unity, dignity and service that defined his reign.
