Condolences continue to pour in for the outspoken yet revered King of the AmaXhosa nation. King Mpendulo Sigcawu, Ahhh! Zwelonke! ukhothamile (passed away) in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Many will remember him for his sharp tongue on topical issues, more recently his views on the release from jail of the King of AbaThembu.
The governing party issued a statement of condolences to the nation and the family, as published in full below :-
For immediate release
14 November 2019
ANC EASTERN CAPE SADDENED AT THE PASSING AWAY OF AMAXHOSA KING MPENDULO ” AH ZWELONKE” SIGCAWU
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has learnt with great shock and a profound sense of loss on the passing away of AmaXhosa King Mpendulo “Ah Zwelonke” Sigcawu early this morning in hospital after a short illness.
King Sigcawu’s passing is not only a major loss to AmaXhosa Kingdom but to the ANC and the province as a whole. He was a true democrat who facilitated for all political parties to have freedom of expression in the AmaXhosa Kingdom. King Sigcawu was an embodiment of Unity, Progress and Hope for his people, capable of working with diverse political strands and accomodative of different views.
We would like to pay tribute to King Mpendulo Sigcawu for his warmth and support he gave to the ANC family over the years. We are indebted to him because he was a pillar of strength over the years, and always available to give us guidance without fail.
We wish to extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Royal family and the entire Xhosa Nation.This loss is not only felt by his people, but it has touched the nerve of the entire populace of the Eastern Cape. Your loss is our loss.
To the Sigcawu family, warriors for the emancipation of all our people in all
their echelons, regardless of race and colour, and gender and age, and ability and geographic domicile, we say, humbly and with passion akuhlanga lungehlanga ma – Tshawe : le nto kakade yinto yalonto! And thus do we say, death be not proud!
Hamba Zwelonke uxolile uMzantsi Africa.
Goduka Kumkani, siyabulela isizwe.
Amanyange neminyanya akwamkele.
Lala ngoxolo Tshawe!
! Ah Zwelonke
Issued by:
Cde Lulama Ngcukayitobi
ANC EC Provincial Secretary
Enquiries:
Gift Ngqondi
Head of Provincial Communications
Mobile No :0849519924 /0848439706