Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
AmaNdebele King Enock Makhosoke II Mabhena of Mpumalanga, South Africa, has died at the age of 65.
King Makhosoke II passed away on June 6, 2026, after serving on the throne for four decades. He was appointed King of the Ndebele nation in 1986 and was crowned in the same year.
His death comes at a time when Southern Africa is still coming to terms with the recent death of Zambia’s Ngoni monarch, King Mpezeni IV, who died on May 30, 2026.
A respected custodian of Ndebele culture and heritage, King Makhosoke II was widely recognised for championing education and youth empowerment. Through his educational foundation, “more than 100 students obtained bachelor’s degrees, while others advanced to master’s and doctoral studies”.
Beyond education, he promoted community development and cultural preservation, working to strengthen the identity and visibility of the Ndebele people in South Africa and across the region.
As a descendant of the Manala royal lineage, King Makhosoke II maintained close ties with Manala-descended communities in Zimbabwe, including the Mabhena/Mabena, Mahlangu, Masuku, Sithole, Mnguni and Sibindi families.
He strengthened cross-border cultural relations by sending royal delegations to Zimbabwe to attend Chief Dakamela’s Imiklomelo kaDakamela Cultural Festival in Nkayi, as well as the King Mzilikazi Commemorations.
Among members of the AmaNdebele royal family who attended the festival were Princess Agnes Nomngoma Mabhena, Prince Ayanda Manala Sibindi and Princess Andile naBingweni Mabena.
At this year’s festival, Princess Andile naBingweni Mabena presented Chief Dakamela with a royal blanket on behalf of the AmaNdebele Kingdom, symbolising the enduring cultural and historical bonds between the two communities.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the royal family.
