The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special official funeral category 1 for the late Kwazulu-Natal King Goodwill Zwelithini.

In a statement, the presidency said the funeral would entail ceremonial elements provided by the South African National Defence Force.

Ramaphosa also authorised that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at every flag station in the country from the morning Saturday, 13 March 2021, until the evening of the funeral service.

Earlier today, Ramaphosa expressed his sincere condolences to the Royal Family, to the Zulu nation and to the people of Kwazulu-Natal and beyond.

King Goodwill Zwelithini passed away in the early hours of Friday, 12 March 2021, after an extended illness.

However, the family and the President of South Africa are yet to announce the date of the funeral.