South Africa is mourning the death of King Makhosonke II, Enock Makhosonke Mabhena – the reigning monarch of the amaNdebele Nation, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 65 after four decades on the throne.
President Cyril Ramaphosa led tributes to the respected traditional leader, describing him as a pillar of national unity and a champion of development whose legacy would endure beyond his years of service to his people.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Tuesday, Ramaphosa expressed deep sadness at the passing of the king, whose birth name was Enock Makhosonke Mabhena.
“It is with deep sadness that I mourn the passing away today, Tuesday, 9 June 2026, of His Majesty King Makhosonke II – Enock Makhosonke Mabhena – reigning King of the amaNdebele Nation,” the President said.
King Makhosonke II served as the traditional leader of the amaNdebele akwaManala and spent 40 years on the throne, becoming one of South Africa’s longest-serving traditional monarchs.
His passing marks the end of an era for the amaNdebele Nation, where he was widely regarded as a custodian of culture, tradition and community development.
Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the Royal Household, including Queen Sekhothali, as well as to the broader amaNdebele community and the Basotho nation, from whom the queen is descended.
“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,” the President said.
The Presidency said the country would in due course pay tribute to the king’s contribution to South Africa’s social and cultural landscape.
Ramaphosa highlighted the monarch’s commitment to development, particularly in the areas of education and land restitution, which formed part of his vision for the advancement of his people.
“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,” the President said.
Traditional leaders play a significant role in South Africa’s constitutional democracy, serving as custodians of indigenous customs and cultural heritage while often acting as intermediaries between government and local communities.
King Makhosonke II was respected for promoting the preservation of Ndebele culture and identity while supporting initiatives aimed at improving the lives of communities under his leadership.
His death is expected to prompt a period of mourning within the amaNdebele Nation, with further announcements regarding memorial services and funeral arrangements anticipated in the coming days.
For now, the nation joins the amaNdebele people in grieving the loss of a monarch whose reign spanned four decades and whose leadership left a lasting imprint on traditional governance and community development.
“Today we mourn his passing and we stand alongside amaNdebele in this painful hour,” Ramaphosa said.
The President once again conveyed the nation’s condolences to the Royal Household as South Africans reflect on the life and legacy of King Makhosonke II.
