Mpumalanga Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu has conveyed condolences to the royal family of the late King Makhosoke II of the nation of amaNdebele. His Majesty passed away on Tuesday. The Premier, accompanied by the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Mr Speed Mashilo, the MEC for Social Development, Ms Nomphumelelo Hlophe and Senior Managers of the Provincial Government, visited the royal family on Tuesday to pay tribute.
Premier Ndlovu says King Makhosoke was a symbol of unity and exemplified servant leadership. “On behalf of the people of Mpumalanga, we are here to convey our condolences to the royal family for the loss. The King’s vision over the past four decades of his reign, was charecterised by development initiatives, through partnerships with the state and the private sector,” Premier Ndlovu remembered.
King Makhosoke’s determination to preserve the Ndebele cultures and history, led to the coordination of various initiatives, among them, the introduction of Ndebele studies at the University of Venda. Several students enrolled for the studies, participating in research projects. Premier Ndlovu rekindled the King’s contribution in his tribute. “We will remember His Majesty for initiatives such as the Ndebele studies, borne out of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the University of Venda in 2011. The annual King Silamba Commemoration and the KoMjekejeke Heritage site in Wallmasthal, were his practical affirmation to preserve the Ndebele cultures and history,” the Premier emphasised.
A local school, King Makhosoke II Secondary School in Kwamhlanga, was named after him, thus affirming his passion for education. Premier Ndlovu says the school and the Komjekejeke Heritage site are the symbols of remembrance for His Majesty.
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Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Enquiries: Mr George Mthethwa (Provincial Government Spokesperson)
Contacts: (013) 766 2242/ 083 302 2774