By 
PRETORIA — President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness following the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II, the reigning King of the amaNdebele Nation, who died today at the age of 65.
King Makhosonke II—born Enock Makhosonke Mabhena—was the traditional leader of the amaNdebele akwaManala. His passing marks the end of a notable 40-year reign on the throne.
In an official statement, President Ramaphosa extended his thoughts, prayers, and the condolences of the nation to the Royal Household and Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali. The President also expressed solidarity with both the amaNdebele people and the Basotho nation, from whom the Queen is descended.
“We stand alongside amaNdebele in this painful hour,” Ramaphosa said. He remembered the late monarch as a “pillar of national unity in diversity” and a champion of development who passionately envisioned education and land restitution for his people.
The government confirmed that a formal tribute to honour the King’s legacy and vision will be paid in due course.
