Zulu King Goodwill Zelithithini of South Africa died at the age of 72

King Goodwill Jewelithini, the traditional leader of South Africa’s Zulu nation, has died at the age of 72, after being in hospital for more than a month, his family announced on Friday.

According to local news reports, Zwelithini had health problems related to diabetes.

Zwelithini, the eighth Zulu king, ruled for over 50 years, making him the longest-serving Zulu emperor.

As the traditional leader of the Zulu nation, Zwelithini did not hold political office, but had considerable influence over the country’s estimated 12 million Zulus, the largest ethnic group of 60 million people in South Africa.

King Zwelithini was an outspoken critic of the government’s planned land redistribution policy, which could affect the large tract of land belonging to the Zulu nation.

The Ingoniyama Trust, controlled by the king, owns 29% of the land in the KwaZulu-Natal province, approximately 28,000 square kilometers or 10,811 square miles.

It is estimated that more than 5 million people live on land, most in rural farming communities.

If the government complied with some proposals, the regulation of land could be done from the Zulu state.

Historically, under the leadership of King Shaka Zulu, from 1816 to 1828, the Zulus fiercely resisted British colonialism.

President Cyril Ramaphosa praised Jwelithini for his contribution to the economic and cultural development of the province.

“His Excellency will be remembered as a much-loved, visionary emperor who contributed significantly to cultural identity, national unity and economic development in KwaZulu-Natal and through it to the development of our country,” Mr. Ramaphosa said in a statement.

Opposition politicians also expressed their condolences to the Zulu nation.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, the Royal House and the Zulu nation in this time of loss.” You mourn and celebrate your whole life, “said John Steinhausen, leader of the opposition Democratic Alliance.

Bantu Holomisa of the United Democratic Movement also expressed grief over the demise of Zwelithini.

“During Holika’s HIV / AIDS epidemic in South Africa, as a protector of Zulu tradition and customs, he played an important role, especially in the Zulu nation”.