Former AmaZulu regiments leader Mgilija Nhleko took his last breath at a KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) hospital on Monday.
Mgilija Nhleko dies: What’s the cause of death?
As reported by IOL News, the Zulu leader had been battling with cancer and in recent months, the disease reared its ugly head.
The royal family had not made a statement on the passing of the former regiments leader at the time this article was published.
What we know about Nhleko
Before the events that unfolded following the passing of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, Nhleko was only known to the Zulu nation.
However, in March, at the traditional burial of the late king, Nhleko shot to fame when he led a legion of Zulu regiments on their way to lay Zwelithini at his final resting place.
The regiment leader’s electrifying display was widely applauded. However, this show of unity in the Zulu nation would be muddled by politics.
In July, Nhleko was condemned and ex-communicated as a regiments leader for using the Zulu legion to show support to former president Jacob Zuma during his stand-off with authorities in Nkandla. Of course, this display would culminate into the nationwide shutdown riots that pillaged economic hubs in Gauteng and KZN.
Before his passing, Nhleko had been embroiled in an internal battle with Zulu royals for questioning the legitimacy of the newly crowned King Misuzulu KaZwelithini.
Tributes pour in for Mgilija Nhleko
Still, in his passing, those who respected the leader came out with tributes in his honour. Here are some of the reactions we picked out from social media, including tributes from the former president’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.
Lala Ngoxolo 💔 #RIPMgiliji pic.twitter.com/ete0aYhRO7
— Dudu Zuma-Sambudla (@DZumaSambudla) November 8, 2021
A proud Zulu man 🥺🥺 RIP Nhleko you’ve served the zulu nation with pride and humility. #Mgilija pic.twitter.com/yZl2DXFbUD
— Don_Mvelase 🇵🇸 (@C_Chamisto) November 8, 2021
May your soul rest in eternal glory the Commander of Amabutho, uBab’ Mgilija Nhleko. You have ran your race, Nduna YaMabutho. Phumula Qhawe. RIP Soldier pic.twitter.com/MLtx29UirG
— “My friend, I am not your friend.” (@umbhaliwodumo) November 8, 2021
It is with shock and sadness to learn of the passing of former leader of the AmaZulu regiments Zihogozelanga “Mgilija” Nhleko. We will remember him as one of our stakeholders during the preparations of commemorations such as the battle of Isandlwana and Umkhosi weLembe pic.twitter.com/GFrs0YTz2z
— MEC Hlengiwe Mavimbela (@MecMavimbela) November 8, 2021