The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, on behalf of the COGTA Ministry and the broader sector, joins President Cyril Ramaphosa and the nation in mourning the passing of His Majesty King Makhosoke II (Enock Makhosonke Mabhena), the respected King of the amaNdebele Kingship.
Minister Hlabisa extends his heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali, the Royal Family, the amaNdebele as a whole, and the broader traditional leadership fraternity during this difficult time.
His Majesty passed away at the age of 65, having served his people with dedication for four decades. He ascended the throne in 1986, succeeding his late father, King William Mbhongo, and became a respected advocate for Ndebele language education, land restoration and the preservation of cultural heritage, among others.
Throughout his reign, His Majesty showed a strong commitment to the development and empowerment of traditional communities. He played a key role in strengthening the amaNdebele community, preserving its cultural heritage, promoting social cohesion and fostering unity among his people. His leadership extended beyond the boundaries of his kingship, contributing to nation-building and encouraging peace, cooperation and mutual respect among communities across South Africa.
His passing marks the end of an era and leaves a great loss for the amaNdebele community and the country at large. His legacy, however, will endure through the institutions he strengthened, the communities he uplifted and the values of service, unity and dignity that he upheld throughout his reign.
As President Ramaphosa has noted, His Majesty was a pillar of national unity in diversity and a champion of development, with education and land restitution forming part of his enduring vision for his people.
The passing of King Makhosoke II comes at a time when he was playing a significant role in strengthening cooperation between government and traditional leadership. In October 2024, His Majesty was unanimously elected as the inaugural Chairperson of the Forum for South Africa’s Majesties, a historic platform established to enhance collaboration between government and Kings, Queens and Principal Traditional Leaders on matters affecting traditional communities.
Most recently, he participated in the Forum’s Strategic Planning Session, where traditional leaders and government worked together to strengthen the institution of traditional leadership and advance development in traditional communities. His leadership and guidance were highly valued in these engagements.
“His Majesty King Makhosoke II was a respected traditional leader, a nation-builder who brought people together and a unifying force. As the inaugural Chairperson of the Forum for South Africa’s Majesties, he helped shape a new chapter of cooperation between government and traditional leadership. His commitment to the upliftment of communities and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage will remain an enduring legacy. South Africa has lost a distinguished leader whose contribution to nation-building will be remembered for generations to come,” Minister Hlabisa said.
His passing also comes at the start of the winter initiation season, a period when traditional leaders play a critical role in promoting safe initiation practices and safeguarding the lives of initiates. As a respected voice on matters of culture and tradition, His Majesty’s guidance would have been invaluable in encouraging vigilance, responsibility and cooperation among traditional leaders, families, government and all stakeholders to help prevent injuries and deaths during this important period.
The Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs stands with the Royal Family, the amaNdebele community and all those mourning the loss of His Majesty King Makhosoke II.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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Ms. Pearl Maseko-Binqose
Media Liaison Officer for the Minister of CoGTA
+27 (82) 772 1709
Mr. Legadima Leso
Head of Communications, COGTA
+27 66 479 9904
Issued by the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs