Noloyiso Sandile ‑ a local queen in South Africa died due to COVID-19 on July 8, 2020. She was 56.
Sandile had been admitted at a hospital for COVID-19 related complications, according to the State broadcaster SABC.
The deceased is a sister to the current Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini. She was married to the AmaRarhabe King Maxhoba Sandile for over two decades until his death in 2011.
She was then made the regent queen until her son, Prince Jonguxolo Sandile, took over when he came of age.
“Our condolences to the House of Rharhabe,’’ Bantu Holomisa leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) party wrote in a tweet. Several others have also expressed their shock and sadness at the queen’s demise.
South Africa has 10 officially recognized kingdoms representing various ethnic groups whose leaders play largely ceremonial roles and settle minor disagreements.