King Lobengula's granddaughter dies

THE death of some of the elders who are direct descendents of King Lobengula is becoming a major setback in the revival of the Ndebele monarchy as they pass on with critical information needed in the setting up of the kingdom.

This comes following the death of King Lobengula's granddaughter, Princess Sibuzo Sodumo Khumalo, daughter to Nyamande and MaThebe, on Saturday.

She was 96.

Princess Khumalo was buried at Athlone Cemetery in Bulawayo yesterday.

Family spokesperson Prince Zwide Khumalo said the revival of the Ndebele monarchy hinges on the information provided by the elders and direct descendants of the King.

He bemoaned the death of some of the Khumalo descendents who are knowledge sources and are critical in the monarchy's revival bid.

Prince Khumalo said the revival of the monarchy is at a research stage which involves consulting the elders.

The Princess Khumalo was born in 1919 at Mbembesi Forest Area before moving with her mother and two brothers to Nyandeni area in Matopos after the death of her father in 1929.

The Princess Khumalo got married to the late Henry Malcom Huntley.

She is survived by three children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

The death of Princess Khumalo follows that of Princess Simoli Khumalo who succumbed to a chronic liver ailment in July this year.

Princess Simoli Khumalo was the eldest daughter of Prince Rhodes Khumalo, son to Prince Njube Khumalo who was one of Lobengula's sons.