Goodwill Zwelithini, the king of the Zulu nation, passed away on March 12, 2021, at the age of 72. He was born on July 27, 1948, in Nongoma, South Africa. His father, King Cyprian Bhekuzulu, was also the king of the Zulus, and upon his death in 1968, Zwelithini became the king at the age of 20.

Due to threats on his life, Zwelithini had to take refuge in the Transkai province of South Africa for three years after his father's death. He returned to Nongoma in 1971, after his 21st birthday and first marriage, and was installed as the eighth monarch of the Zulus in a traditional ceremony attended by 20,000 people.

During his reign, Zwelithini was the chairman of the Ingonyama Trust, a corporate entity established to administer the land traditionally owned by the king for the benefit, material welfare, and social well-being of the Zulu nation. This land comprised 32% of the area of KwaZulu/Natal.

Zwelithini was known for his love and commitment to the Zulu nation, and his passing was deeply felt by the Zulu people and South Africans as a whole. He was also a great advocate for the preservation of the Zulu culture and traditions. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of the Zulu nation.

Zwelithini reportedly passed away after being admitted to the hospital for diabetes-related illness, but his traditional prime minister, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, announced that he had died of COVID-19 during preparations for his funeral. His passing marks the end of an era in the history of the Zulu nation. Rest in peace, Goodwill Zwelithini.