Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini dies in South Africa aged 72
King Goodwill Zwelithini of the Zulu nation in South Africa has died in hospital where he was being treated for diabetes-related issues.
The king, 72, was the leader of South Africa's largest ethnic group and an influential traditional ruler.
He had been admitted to hospital in KwaZulu-Natal last week to monitor his ongoing diabetes condition.
The king's prime minister thanked South Africa for its "continued prayers and support in this most difficult time".
President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that he will be accorded a state funeral - normally reserved for presidents and former leaders.
The date has not been announced but in the meantime, national flags will fly at half-mast.
He will lie in state in the royal palace in Nongoma, about 300km (185 miles) from Durban where he was in hospital, for a "few days", according to his uncle, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56370621
President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that he will be accorded a state funeral