Durban – Messages of condolences are pouring in for the popular Zulu royal senior princess Thembi Zulu-Ndlovu who passed away on Friday after a short illness.
The royal family announced late on Friday that Princess Thembi died in the Newcastle Provincial Hospital after a brief illness.
She was the sister of the late King Zwelithini Kabhekuzulu who shot to fame during the dispute over the succession following the king’s passing.
Royal household spokesperson and her brother Prince Mbonisi said Princess Thembi would be always remembered for her resilient and judicial spirit.
The wheelchair-bound Princess Thembi was last seen in public last week during the Umembeso and Umkhehlo ceremony – a pre-wedding ritual event – of King Misuzulu’s wife, Ntokozo Mayisela in Osizweni Township, in Newcastle.
She has been consistently opposing the ascendancy of king Misuzulu to the throne, endorsing Prince Simakade – a half brother of king Misuzulu.
Princess Thembi was known as one of the “royal rebels” after clashing with Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi together with her brother Prince Mbonisi after the passing of King Zwelithini last year.
Her passing comes as the royal family was preparing for the coronation of King Misuzulu set to take place at the end of May.
Princess Thembi vowed that they would challenge the coronation through the courts as they believed Prince Simakade was the right heir to the throne.
Her passing shocked many as she appeared healthy last week.
Messages of condolences poured in across the country wishing the royal family strength during this period.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala expressed condolences on behalf of the government.
“While we were aware that Princess Thembi had recently been in and out of hospital owing to ill-health, we however remained hopeful that she would in the end emerge from this bout to take her place as one of the most senior royals of the Zulu nation.
“This news is heart wrenching and devastating, especially as the Royal Family is preparing for the coronation of the King of the Zulu nation Misuzulu kaZwelithini in the coming few weeks.
We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Ndlovu family for the tragic loss that has befallen the family who has lost a mother and grandmother.
We are in deep sorrow as a nation as we share the pain of the royal family and the Ndlovu family.
“As a princess and a senior member of the Royal Family Thembi was one of the custodians of our culture and customs which symbolises the glue that keeps the citizens of KwaZulu-Natal together across political, class or religious affiliation.
“The passing of Princess Thembi is yet another tragedy of monumental proportions to befall the people of KwaZulu-Natal when the nation is still recovering from the double blow of losing His Majesty Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Regent Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu only last year.
“As Her Royal Highness Princess Thembi ascends to the great world in the skies, she is taking her final steps and is ascending to the great seat where our revered ancestors now reside.
“We ask the people of KwaZulu-Natal to put the royal family in its thoughts and prayers this evening and in days to come, as we all come to terms with the tragic loss of the pillar of our royal family.
“In due time, the Provincial Executive Council will, after consultation, visit the royal family to offer its condolences. May the soul of Her Royal Highness Princess Thembi Ndlovu rest in peace,” he said.
Bantu Holomisa, UDM Leader took to twitter and described Princess Thembi as principled leader.
“May her soul rest in peace. I had always enjoyed chatting to her and late King Zwelithini. The respect accorded to me by both will always be cherished. Uhambe kakuhle Nkosazana usikhulisile sonke, he said.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE