King of AmaXhosa, HRH King Mpendulo Sigcawu, will be laid to rest on Friday 29 November, the family announced on Saturday.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe said that in accordance with tradition, proceedings will have to be finalised by intlazane (midday).

The President is expected to pronounce the funeral as a National Official Funeral: Category 1 in the next few days.

The family also announced that the issue of a successor will be handled after the funeral and an official announcement will be made thereafter.

King Sigcawu ukhothame after a period of illness in the early hours of Thursday at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha.