12 March 2021 statement

Condolence Message

From the desk of the General Secretary, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE: KING GOODWILL ZWELITHINI KA BHEKUZULU

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) joins the people of South Africa in mourning the passing of the Monarch of the Zulu Nation, King Goodwill Zwelithini.

The SACC at both a regional and national level has been closely supporting the Royal Family with prayers and ministry throughout His Majesty’s hospitalisation, according to 1 Timothy 2:2 – For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of iSilo, King Goodwill Zwelithini; especially as it happens soon after the sad departure of his sister, Queen Noloyiso Sandile who was the monarch of the Rharhabe Xhosa people. Having outlived most, if not all previous Zulu kings, we thought King Zwelithini would, like his uncle Prince Mangosuthu, live to a good old age indeed!” said Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, General Secretary of the SACC.  “We will continue to lift the Royal Family and indeed, the Zulu Nation in prayer in this moment where many may feel devastated and bereft.  We stand in sombre solidarity with all of you, mourning the passing of a leader, a husband, a father, and a cultural icon.”

ISilo samabandla sikhotheme.

May His Majesty rest in eternal peace.

—ENDS—

Media enquiries:

Khuthalani Khumalo

SACC Communications Consultant

South African Council of Churches

Tel: 084 074 1285 | Email: khuthalani@khuthalani.net

About SACC

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) is an ecumenical association of affiliated Christian Churches, and blocks of churches such as The Evangelical Alliance and the Council of African Independent Churches, and the International Federation of Christian Churches, with a mandate to lead common Christian action that works for moral witness in South Africa. SACC does not exist for the propagation and the advancement of its doctrinal position, but is the place where our diverse interpretations of our faith come together in action for social justice. It therefore seeks to achieve a visible, just socio-economic and ecological impact, enabled through engaged churches-in-community for a reconciled South Africa and our sub-continent.