His Majesty King Makhosonke II, the traditional ruler of the AmaNdebele akwaManala nation, died on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. He was 65. The monarch’s death concludes a 40-year reign that spanned four decades of cultural stewardship and community advocacy.
President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the King’s passing in an official statement released the same day. The President formally acknowledged the loss, noting its significance for South Africa’s traditional leadership structures and extending state sympathies to the royal family and the broader AmaNdebele community.
Officially recognized as Enock Makhosonke Mabhena, the late King served as the reigning sovereign of the AmaNdebele nation for exactly four decades. Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali will lead the royal household through the mourning and transition period. President Ramaphosa’s address specifically highlighted the Queen’s Basotho ancestry, acknowledging that the impact of the King’s passing resonates across the Basotho nation, whose cultural lineage is closely tied to the royal house.
Throughout his tenure, King Makhosonke II was widely regarded as a unifying presence within South Africa’s diverse traditional governance landscape. Government communications emphasized his consistent advocacy for grassroots development, with educational advancement and land restitution identified as core components of his leadership agenda. Presidential remarks characterized him as a stabilizing figure who actively promoted cohesion and mutual respect across cultural and regional boundaries.
Officials have indicated that a formal state tribute will be organized in the coming weeks to officially recognize and document his contributions to public life and traditional leadership. As the AmaNdebele community observes its mourning protocols, civic and political leaders have reiterated their solidarity with the royal household. The national government has reaffirmed its support for the AmaNdebele people during this transitional period, standing with the nation as it prepares for the next chapter of traditional leadership following the King’s extensive service.