WATCH | Tradition meets state: amaXhosa king Zwelonke Mpendulo Sigcawu laid to rest RIPKingSigcawu
“The first of its kind”, said Officer Commanding Area Military Health Unit Lt-Col Yoliswa Senokwanyane, describing the meeting of state and tradition in honouring the late amaXhosa king Zwelonke Mpendulo Sigcawu.President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the funeral a category one state affair, leading to a finely executed mix of traditional and military honours.
Tears flowed as early as 5am as the immediate family gathered for a private vigil in the Great Place just outside Willowvale in the Eastern Cape, the king’s home. Tradition gave way to military honours as the lion and leopard skins were replaced by the SA flag, the country’s most important colours. The highest ranking SANDF officials bore the weight of the late Xhosa king, carrying him into the service, attended by thousands.The roar that swept through the crowd as former president Thabo Mbeki took to the podium was unmatched throughout the day.After the service, the elite were led to the burial ground, a sacred place where those of the royal household are laid to rest.Xhosa chieftains followed suit, with the sobs of Sigcawu’s former wife echoing in the background.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
We feel like orphans after losing our king, says Thabo Mbeki | IOL NewsFormer president Thabo Mbeki has described Xhosa King Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu as “an outstanding leader” with great ambition of uplifting the people of his nation.
Read more »
King Zwelonke Sigcawu laid to rest - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.King Zwelonke Sigcawu laid to rest AmaXhosa King Zwelonke Sigcawu has been laid to rest at Nqadu Great Place, in Willowvale, in the Eastern Cape.
Read more »
WATCH: Various Kingdoms expected to attend AmaXhosa King funeral - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.Delegations from various Kingdoms in South Africa and beyond the borders have arrived at Nqadu Great Place in the Eastern Cape for the funeral of the late AmaXhosa King Zwelonke Mpendulo Sigcawu.
Read more »
Preparations in place for funeral of AmaXhosa King Zwelonke Sigcawu - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.Preparations in place for funeral of AmaXhosa King Zwelonke Sigcawu It’s all systems go for the funeral of the late AmaXhosa King, Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu, at Nqadu Great Place in Willowvale in the Eastern Cape on Friday.
Read more »
King Sigcawu extended his influence beyond SA borders: Ramaphosa - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.King Sigcawu extended his influence beyond SA borders: Ramaphosa President Cyril Ramaphosa says the influence of the late AmaXhosa King Zwelonke Sigcawu had extended beyond South Africa’s borders.
Read more »
We have lost a great leader – Ramaphosa on King SigcawuPresident Cyril Ramaphosa has bid farewell to King Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu during his funeral on Friday at the Nqadu Royal Palace near Willowvale in the Eastern Cape.
Read more »