It is with profound sadness that I have received the news of the passing of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people of the Republic of Zambia, whose distinguished reign of more than four decades came to its earthly conclusion on 30 May 2026.
It is with equal sorrow that I mourn His Majesty King Makhosonke II (Enock Makhosonke Mabhena), King of the amaNdebele akwaManala of the Republic of South Africa, who departed this life on 9 June 2026 at the age of sixty-five after forty years of devoted service upon the throne.
On behalf of the United Africa Royal Assembly, and in my personal capacity, I extend my deepest condolences to the Governments and peoples of Zambia and South Africa, the Royal Families, and the Ngoni and amaNdebele nations.
I was greatly privileged to have worked alongside Chief Mpezeni IV, the late His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, His Majesty Morena Moremoholo Mopeli, and other distinguished custodians of Africa’s royal institutions in advancing cultural exchange, strengthening the bonds of kinship among our peoples, and fostering regional integration through the timeless instrument of traditional diplomacy.
Together, we nurtured a shared vision of an Africa in which our common heritage would transcend the artificial frontiers inherited from history and serve instead as a bridge for peace, mutual understanding, cooperation and collective prosperity.
Yet while these revered sovereigns have departed from our midst, the values they espoused and the foundations they helped to lay shall continue to inspire present and future generations of traditional leaders to remain steadfast custodians of Africa’s cultural inheritance while embracing dialogue, cooperation and development for the common good of all her peoples.
May the spirits of these noble sons of Africa find eternal repose among the honoured ancestors.
May their enduring legacy continue to illuminate the path towards an Africa united in dignity, peace, justice and renaissance.
May their memories be everlasting, and may their souls rest in eternal peace.