The Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has learnt with great sadness of the passing of AmaMpondo King, King Zanozuko Tyelovuyo Sigcau, who passed away last week, after a short illness.
“The most important attribute that we would all remember of his Majesty was his approach of selflessly serving his people and putting them first. His Majesty was passionate about the economic and social upliftment of the Pondo people,” said Dlamini-Zuma.
She added that he was involved in providing leadership to the Eastern Seaboard Development between Margate and Port St Johns, which was launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in November last year, of which the multibillion rand Magwa Tea Estate is a catalytical project.
“He was also hands-on in the revival and lifting of Mpondo culture and traditions, wherein he also hosted the cultural and sports programme, known as the Kings Cup, in the Lusikisiki and Flagstaff areas.
He would also be remembered for his stance against gender-based violence and the pursuit of gender equality.
“Ours is to emulate the passion he exuded when dealing with issues affecting his people and their needs.”
Speaking on behalf of the royal family, Nkosi Jongilanga Sigcau said his passing came at a time when the AmaMpondo nation was on a path of uniting to realise his vision of a consolidated and a progressive Mpondo nation. “The Mpondo Royal family at large and their entire Mpondo nation grieve His Majesty’s passing and tragic loss; we appeal to everyone to keep us in their prayers during this difficult time,” said Sigcau.
He added that King Sigcau loved his very family and wanted unity among his family and amaMpondo nation. According to him, Sigcau passed on while he was still busy negotiating about the Eastern Seaboard Coastal Development with the aim of fighting poverty in his nation.
“He even spoke with Ramaphosa and Dlamini-Zuma with intentions of developing his nation and trying to create jobs,” said Sigcau.
Jongilanga said Sigcau was working hard to bring change and development to his nation, with the aim of helping his people. He said it was hard for them to accept the situation.
“We can confirm that the king will be laid to rest at his Ndimakude Great Place in Flagstaff on June 21. This is the date that we agreed on with the Office of the President of South Africa. As family we had requested his Excellency, the President, to honour him with a category 1 special funeral.
“We are awaiting his pronouncement. We have no acting king but we have appointed King Zanozuko’s mother, Queen Nobandla, as a caretaker of the nation until the core royal family sits to determine succession.”
He added that they were still negotiating with the royal family since there are some celebrations that need to be postponed for a moment as part of mourning for the king. “We know that it is time for circumcision (season) but this will also be affected and be postponed until December.
“We will also make sure that no illegal initiation schools are taking place in our areas,” Jongilanga said.
