Queen Regent Mantfombi comes home for burial amid fear of fresh tension in Zulu monarchy

The 65-year-old will be buried according to the Swati royal culture of wrapping one in a cow’s hide.

NONGOMA.- The late Zulu nation’s Queen Regent, Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu, was bought to KwaKhangela palace on Wednesday evening for the last time before she is buried at the crack of dawn on Thursday.

Swati royal culture

The 65-year-old will be buried according to the Swati royal culture of wrapping one in a cow’s hide. Per her wish, she will not be buried in the Zulu royal graveyard of Makhosini near Ulundi.

There are concerns that immediately after her burial, the royal court will be served with court papers from King Goodwill Zwelithini’s first wife, Queen Sibongile Dlamini, who wants to halt the process of distributing the late King’s estate and the appointment of a regent.

Queen Siboongile is arguing that as the king’s first wife she must get 50% of the king’s estate. Supporting her in the legal battle are her two daughters Princess Ntando and Princess Ntombizosuthu, who want the king’s will to be set aside claiming that it has been altered.