Leletu Xamba

Condolences pour in for the Sigcawu family after the AmaXhosa King, Zwelonke Calvin Mpendulo Sigcawu died on Thursday morning.

It is said that the king was rushed to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha on Wednesday evening due to poor health conditions.

Nkosi Xhanti Sigcawu, the king’s uncle reported that the king had passed on around 6:30 am Thursday.

“As the Sigcawu family we ask for privacy during this time and a statement shall be released in time,” said Xhanti.

The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) has sent its condolences to the Sigcawu family.

“We take this opportunity to convey our sincere condolences to the Sigcawu royal family, the AmaXhosa nation and the relatives particularly the kingship of AmaMpondo.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters conveyed their message of support in a statement saying that king Zwelonke Sigcawu had gone during the time where they are still demanding the skull of King Hintsa, the kings great grandfather from the British Government.

The 12th leader of the AmaXhosa was crowned king after King Xolizwe Sigcawu’s passing, his father in 2005. In 2015 Zwelonke Sigcawu was sworn in as the king of the Nqadu Great Place nation at Gatyane, Eastern Cape.

Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuya is yet to visit the royal family.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be released by the family later this week.

Picture: Supplied