This morning, I took an oath of office as the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa sworn in by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in Cape Town.

Each advancement confirms that the pursuit of a TB-free world is a tangible reality we are actively creating today. “Vuka! Let’s Unite Towards a TB-Free World!” #EndTB #TBFreeWorld

As we lay our King to rest, we are reminded that while individuals depart, the institution of Kingship endures. The seeds of unity, cultural pride, and resilience that King Enoch Makhosonke II Mabhena planted remain alive in us and should live forever. May the ancestors receive him with honour befitting a king, and may his spirit guide the AmaNdebele people and all of South Africa to the future we strive towards. Rest in eternal peace, Your Majesty.
Your duty is complete. Your legacy remains. #KingMakhosonkeII #RIPKingMakhosonkeII

Government and Traditional Leaders must collaborate and unite in purpose, as exemplified by King Enock Makhosoke II Mabhena. His emphasis on partnering in leadership highlights the importance of working together to strengthen communities, renew hope, and tackle social issues. When Gender-Based Violence affects families and communities, it is important for Traditional Leaders to ensure that no woman or child lives in fear. They should also guide youth towards opportunities in the face of substance abuse and unemployment. #KingMakhosonkeII #RIPKingMakhosonkeII

The time for deliberation has passed; the time for delivery is upon us.  Together, we must ensure that commitments translate swiftly into action so that dignity, recognition, and service are not delayed but become lived realities for our Traditional Leaders and their communities. #KingMakhosonkeII #RIPKingMakhosonkeII

With particular care, he advanced programmes that promoted men’s health and sustained the overall well-being of the communities. His Majesty's leadership was not confined to the boundaries of the AmaNdebele people. He understood that South Africa, in all its diverse ethnicities, is one nation. #KingMakhosonkeII #RIPKingMakhosonkeII

His voice did not echo only in the valleys of his people; it reverberated across the broader landscape of Traditional Leadership in our country. He embodied wisdom and a vision of unity, emphasising that the strength of democracy is rooted in the harmony of diversity. His legacy illustrated that Traditional Leadership transcends inheritance, serving as a bridge between ancestral memory and contemporary democracy. #KingMakhosonkeII #RIPKingMakhosonkeII

He institutionalised the Komjekejeke to honour King Silamba, transforming it into a revered annual gathering, a symbol of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. May this cultural celebration continue to live on, carrying forward the living legacy of His Majesty King Makhosoke II Mabhena. #KingMakhosonkeII #RIPKingMakhosonkeII

A mighty tree has fallen, and its shade no longer shelters the amaNdebele people. Ascending the throne in 1986, His Majesty led with dignity and humility for four decades, preserving the sacred traditions that kept amaNdebele songs, murals, and rituals vibrant. He viewed heritage as a living force that shapes identity and strengthens community. #KingMakhosonkeII #RIPKingMakhosonkeII

We gather here today from different corners as a nation, summoned not by choice but by the immutable truth of human nature. A call that neither the mighty nor the humble can reject – the call of death. While we all must eventually answer this call, its impact is felt most profoundly when it takes those we hold dear. Today we are bound together with hearts heavily burdened to bid farewell to His Majesty King Enock Makhosoke II Mabhena. #KingMakhosonkeII #RIPKingMakhosonkeII

Footprints that remain… The marks of his journey are not carved in stone alone, but in lives touched, traditions preserved, and futures quietly shaped. They live in the echoes of song at Komjekejeke, in the dust rising beneath the feet of initiates, in the enduring rhythm of a people who remember who they are. #KingMakhosonkeII #RIPKingMakhosonkeII

Ukucima kweLanga, The setting of a great sun On the 9th day of June 2026, the sun dimmed over the land of amaNdebele Woke. Kwacima iLanga! A great light, long and bright over the nation, bowed to eternity. His Majesty King Makhosoke II, born Enock Makhosoke Mabhena on 14 April 1960, has journeyed beyond the horizon at the age of 65. He was iNgwenyama, not merely a ruler, but a living heartbeat of isiTjhaba samaNdebele Woke. A father to many, a keeper of memory, a quiet strength upon which generations leaned. His passing is not an ending, but a silence where once there was guidance, a stillness where once there was presence. #KingMakhosonkeII #RIPKingMakhosonkeII

The late King Makhosonke II was dedicated to the empowerment of rural communities and strengthening relationships between Government and Traditional Leadership. He championed cultural preservation through annual events fostering social cohesion and nation-building. #KingMakhosonkeII

A Special Official Memorial Service of the late His Majesty King Makhosonke Il is underway at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, KwaMhlanga Mpumalanga Province. Stream Live: youtube.com/live/jH_Hxr6JEl8… #KingMakhosonkeII

His Majesty King Makhosonke II will be remembered for his unconditional love, sacrifice and determination to preserve the Ndebele history and culture. #KingMakhosonkeII

We are here to show our support to the Mabhena family. The late King Makhosonke II was dedicated to the empowerment of rural communities and strengthening relationships between Government and Traditional Leadership. He championed cultural preservation through annual events fostering social cohesion and nation-building. #KingMakhosonkeII

LIVE| Special official memorial service of the late His Majesty King Makhosonke Il youtube.com/live/jH_Hxr6JEl8… #KingMakhosonkeII

King Makhosonke II will be remembered for his unconditional love, sacrifice and determination to preserve the Ndebele history and culture. #KingMakhosonkeII

We have gathered at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, KwaMhlanga in the Mpumalanga Province to pay tribute to the late His Majesty King Makhosonke II, King of the amaNdebele nation. King Makhosonke II was a symbolic leader who through his reign led communities with humanity and honour. #KingMakhosonkeII