The reigning amaNdebele monarch, King Makhosonke II, has died at the age of 65 after serving as king for four decades.
King Makhosonke II passed away on Tuesday, bringing to an end a 40-year reign during which he played a significant role in preserving the cultural heritage and traditions of the amaNdebele nation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the royal family, the amaNdebele nation and the Basotho community connected to the royal household through Her Majesty Queen Sekhotali.
In a statement, Ramaphosa conveyed his sympathies to the Queen and all those mourning the loss of the monarch.
The President described the late king as an important figure in South Africa's traditional leadership landscape and said the nation would, in due course, honour his contribution.
"We will, in due course, pay tribute to the King as a pillar of national unity," Ramaphosa said.
Tributes are expected to pour in from traditional leaders, government officials and communities across the country as South Africans reflect on King Makhosonke II's legacy and decades of service to his people.
Details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the royal family in due course.