Mbombela (Nespriut) – The African National Congress (ANC) has joined the Ndebele Nation in mourning the passing of King Makhosonke II.
The monarch, whose birth name was Enock Mabena, passed away earlier today, Tuesday, 9 June 2026, at the age of 65.
His reign lasted 40 years.
The ANC in the Nkangala Region, Mpumalanga, has conveyed condolences to the royal family and the Ndebele Kingdom.
“It is with profound sadness that the ANC conveys its deepest condolences on the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II,” party spokesperson Clarence Maseko said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and associates, as well as the multitudes of people within the country and across the diaspora.”
In a statement, the Ndebele Nation expressed deep sorrow and asked the nation to join them in prayer, while also requesting space during this period of mourning and preparation for the king’s burial.
Arrangements regarding the interment, memorial service, and related rituals remain unclear.
King Makhosonke II is survived by Queen Sekhothali Mabena (née Seeiso), regarded as the mother of the Ndebele nation.
The couple married in October 2019 in a traditional Ndebele ceremony.
Queen Sekhothali is a princess of the Royal House of Lesotho, the niece of King Letsie III, and the daughter of Prince Masupha Seeiso.
Earlier, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the royal family.
RELATED: President Ramaphosa Mourns Passing Of amaNdebele King Makhosonke II – The Bulrushes
Meanwhile, the Public Service Commission (PSC) said it learned with “deep shock and sadness” of the death of the Ndebele king.
On behalf of the PSC, Professor Somadoda Fikeni extended “heartfelt condolences to the Royal Household, the extended family, and the entire amaNdebele Nation during this time of mourning”.
Professor Fikeni described His Majesty King Makhosonke II as a visionary and great leader whose aspirations were firmly rooted in transforming the lives of the amaNdebele Nation and traditional communities at large.
His Majesty showed keen interest in the re-establishment of Traditional Schools, recognising their importance in equipping future leaders with skills in governance, technology, and regional development.
The PSC recently consulted His Majesty King Makhosonke II for guidance on addressing the needs of traditional communities.
The King welcomed this collaboration, praising the PSC’s dedication to community wellbeing and service delivery.
This engagement was part of the PSC’s broader initiative to consult traditional leaders across South Africa, complementing earlier discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and the National House of Traditional Leaders.
The PSC acknowledged the immense contribution of His Majesty King Makhosonke II, who served as the reigning King for about 40 years, thus making him the longest-serving king at the time of his passing.
“His leadership was widely recognised by his peers who consequently elected him to chair the Kings’ Forum,” said Professor Fikeni.
“He established special relations with the PSC and invited us to meetings.
“He extended invitations for PSC to attend the Amandebele annual traditional ceremony of Mjekejeke.
“His preoccupation was always the question of how public service could be improved among his people.”
Professor Fikeni added: “All these affirm that his legacy will continue to inspire efforts to strengthen service delivery and advance development in traditional communities.
“The best way to remember and honour his legacy is to continue and implement the work he was pursuing.
“We salute the African towering leader who served the public and his nation to the very end of his life.
“He now has gone to join the immortals.”
