GCIS Mpumalanga Provincial Office

14/06/2026

14/06/2026

DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE DELIVERS EULOGY IN HONOUR OF KING MAKHOSONKE II

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile is currently delivering a eulogy at the Special Official Memorial Service of the late His Majesty King Makhosonke II Enock Makhosoke Mabhena, King of the amaNdebele Nation.

The service brings together government leaders, traditional authorities, dignitaries, family members and community members to honour the life, leadership and enduring legacy of His Majesty King Makhosonke II.

May His Majesty’s commitment to his people, culture and heritage continue to inspire generations.

14/06/2026

HONOURING ROYAL LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY

Her Majesty Queen Manyaku Maria Thulare, also known as Queen Regent Hlapogadi Leganabatho II of the Bapedi Nation, joins dignitaries, traditional leaders and communities in paying tribute at the Special Official Memorial Service for the late Ingwenyama Enock Makhosoke II Mabhena.

The nation remembers His Majesty’s life of service, leadership, wisdom and dedication to the people of the AmaNdebele Nation.

May his legacy continue to inspire generations.

14/06/2026

HAPPENING NOW | SPECIAL OFFICIAL FUNERAL OF HIS MAJESTY KING MAKHOSONKE II

The proceedings of the Special Official Funeral Service of the late His Majesty King Makhosonke II, King of the amaNdebele nation, are underway at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga Province.

The nation has gathered to bid farewell to His Majesty, who is being honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 1, including military ceremonial honours.

The funeral service recognises King Makhosonke II’s decades of leadership, his commitment to cultural preservation, community development, and strengthening relations between traditional leadership and government.

14/06/2026

HAPPENING NOW | DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE TO DELIVERS EULOGY AT THE SPECIAL OFFICIAL FUNERAL OF KING MAKHOSONKE II

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will deliver a eulogy at the Special Official Funeral Category 1 service of the late His Majesty King Makhosonke II Enock Makhosonke Mabena, King of the amaNdebele Nation.

The funeral service is taking place at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, KwaMhlanga, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, where family, traditional leaders, government representatives, and members of the public have gathered to pay tribute to the life and legacy of His Majesty.

King Makhosonke II, who passed away on 9 June 2026 at the age of 65, is being honoured with military honours in recognition of his leadership, contribution to the amaNdebele Nation, and service to the people of South Africa.

13/06/2026

🕊️ PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR THE SPECIAL OFFICIAL FUNERAL OF HIS MAJESTY KING MAKHOSONKE II Thembisile Hani Local Municipality

Preparations and military rehearsals are underway ahead of the Special Official Funeral Category 1 of the late His Majesty King Makhosonke II – Enock Makhosonke Mabhena of the AmaNdebele Nation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that His Majesty will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 1, including full military honours, on Sunday, 14 June 2026.

His Majesty King Makhosonke II, a revered traditional leader of the AmaNdebele Nation, passed away on Tuesday, 09 June 2026, at the age of 65, after dedicating 40 years of leadership on the throne.

The nation joins the AmaNdebele Royal Family and all mourners in paying tribute to a life of service, wisdom, and leadership.

🕯️ May His Majesty’s legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

13/06/2026

13/06/2026

MEDIA ADVISORY*

*TO ALL MEDIA/NEWS EDITORS*

*13 JUNE 2026*

*DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE TO DELIVER A EULOGY AT THE SPECIAL OFFICIAL FUNERAL OF THE LATE KING MAKHOSONKE II OF THE AMANDEBELE NATION*

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will, deliver a Eulogy at the Special Official Funeral service of the late His Majesty King Makhosonke II, King of the amaNdebele nation at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, KwaMhlanga Mpumalanga Province.

His Majesty King Makhosonke II passed away on Tuesday, 9 June 2026 at the age of 65 after reigning for 40 years.

King Makhosonke II was a symbolic leader who through his reign led communities with humanity and honour.

The late King was dedicated to the empowerment of rural communities and strengthening relationships between Government and Traditional Leadership. He championed cultural preservation through annual events fostering social cohesion and nation-building.

His Majesty's efforts led to the creation of the Forum of Majesties in South Africa, where he served as Chairperson until his departure.

For his passion for education and willingness to serve the people, a local school was named after him, the King Makhosonke II Secondary School in KwaMhlanga.

The King will be remembered for his unconditional love, sacrifice and determination to preserve the Ndebele history and culture.

Details of the funeral are as follows:

Date: Sunday, 14 June 2026

Time: 10:00

Venue: Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, KwaMhlanga Mpumalanga Province

Media wishing to apply for accreditation may do so before 15h00 on Saturday, 13 June 2026, through the GCIS online accreditation application system using the link:
https://mrs.gcis.gov.za/?q=King-Makhosoke-II-Funeral.

For accreditation related enquiries contact:Pheliswa Sebati (GCIS)
Cell: 082 413 4609 or Sthembiso Sithole (The Presidency) on 078 356 4355.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840.

*ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA*

*PRETORIA*