DURBAN - Condolences continue to pour in for Zulu regiments leader, Zihogozelenga “Mgilija” Nhleko who died on Monday night.
According to the family Induna Nhleko, 72, died at Richards Bay Hospital after spending more than a month there. A family member, who answered his cell phone, confirmed the sad news, but would not provide details as the family was expected to meet on Tuesday.
After the news of his death broke on Monday, many started sending condolences to the induna’s family.
Injenje yabaNguni Council leader, Phumlani Mfeka issued a statement where he described Mgilija’s death as a huge loss for the Zulu nation.
“Injenje yabaNguni Council is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of internationally renowned Zulu regiment commander iNduna Mgiliji Nhleko. His passing evokes great sadness and indeed anger among many as we feel robbed of a proud glistening Nguni gem whose sparkle remains unsurpassed among his peers,” said Mfeka.
He said a sizeable number of the Nguni youth have been inspired by the induna ever since the late Majesty King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu appointed him Commander of the Zulu regiments.
Mfeka further said while there has been unsavoury sinister attempts by some to tarnish his image in the public domain, these attempts failed as he remained the most highly respected Zulu regiment commander of this generation.
He added that while Mgilija may physically no longer be among the people, his spirit shall live on for all eternity.
Mfeka called on the Zulu nation to remain resolute to Mgilija’s uncompromising principles on self-knowledge and community consciousness. He thanked the Nhleko family for offering their beloved son to be a servant of his people.
Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation MEC Hlengiwe Mavimbela said she had learnt with shock and sadness of his death, adding that Mgilija would be remembered for being part of the delegation of regiments who accompanied the late King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu to the UK.
“Mgilija’s leadership skills caught the attention of the country in March this year when he led regiments to pay their last tribute to the late King, where he showed us that when given a leadership position, you must serve with honour and patriotism,” said Mavimbela.
She said as a department they held dear memories of Mgilija when he was part of preparations of commemorations such as the battle of Isandlwana and Umkhosi weLembe.
“We pass our sincere condolences to the family of Mgilija and amabutho at large,” Mavimbela said.
Others took to social media to pay tribute to the Induna and send their condolences.
Zulu Royal family spokesperson prince Thulani Zulu said they were still waiting to meet Induna's family before issuing a statement.
Daily News reported two weeks ago that Mgilija had been admitted at Richards Bay hospital for an undisclosed illness.
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