KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala has submitted a special request for President Cyril Ramaphosa to grant a state funeral for Zulu Regent Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu.
She died on Thursday, 29 April a few weeks after she was appointed as regent following the death of her husband, King Goodwill Zwelithini in March.
President Ramaphosa had granted Isilo a state funeral.
Zikalala told Daily Sun: “The application of the KZN provincial government is indeed being considered by the Presidency, taking into account all matters tabled and submitted in the proposal.
“The KZN provincial government will await further communication and feedback from the Presidency,” he said.
Zikalala said her majesty’s death has traumatised the entire nation, which had barely recovered from the colossal demise of the king.
“As the premier and KZN government, we wish to appeal to all citizen to put the Zulu royal family in their prayers as they navigate these extraordinary and painful times.
The nation is asked to observe a period of mourning. The government appreciates the support the citizens are giving to the royal family and the entire Zulu nation” he said.
The royal family has lost three members since November.
The king’s eldest son from his first wife Lethukuthula Zulu died on 11 November under mysterious circumstances in his Joburg house.
The king died on 12 March due to Covid-19 complications and on Thursday, 29 April, Queen Mantfombi died at Netcare Milpark Hospital in Joburg.