Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II of the Amandebele nation

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.

His Majesty, the traditional leader of the amaNdebele akwaManala, has left us at the age of 65 after 40 years on the throne.

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.

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.

Today we mourn his passing and we stand alongside amaNdebele in this painful hour.

We offer our deep condolences to the Royal Household once more.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria