KIU, Main campus- Queen Noloyisa, widow to the late King Maxhobha Sandile has died after contracting COVID-19, state-owned broadcaster SABC reported on Wednesday.

According to SABC, the 56-year-old deceased is a sister to the current Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini who had been admitted at a hospital for COVID-19 related complications.

The deceased was made the regent queen as her son Prince Jonguxolo Sandile was too young to take the throne after the death of King Maxhobha who had ruled for over two decades until his death in 2011.

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa described the late queen as “a bastion of traditional values and an inspiring leader of her people.”

“Queen Noloyisa played a significant role in the affirmation of traditional values and leadership in South African society at large, and the development of her kingdom and the Eastern Cape more broadly.” President Cyril Ramaphosa said.

He adds “At a time when we face a grave public health emergency in the form of Coronavirus, Queen Noloyiso actively mobilized support for the national effort to combat the pandemic, including calling on communities to halt traditional initiations.”

South Africa has registered  238,339 confirmed cases with 113,061 and 3,720 deaths.

Source: Africanews