The Amampondo Nation in the Eastern Cape have suffered a great loss, upon learning about the passing of King Zanozuko Sigcau. The announcement came through on Tuesday royal family confirming his passing after a short illness.

The late kings distraught mother, Nkosikazi Nobandla Sigcau, told a media publication in a report sent out on Wednesday that the king was hospitalised since March, admitted at St Augustine Hospital in Durban and died on his way to Johannesburg to the Wits Donald Gordon Medical for liver treatment.

Tributes keep pouring in for the late king who took over from his uncle, the late king Mpondo-Mbini Thandi-Zulu Sigcau in 2011. Nkosi Jongilanga Sigcau, the family spokesperson, said the king’s death came at a time when the AmaMpondo nation was on a “path of uniting to realise his vision of a consolidated and progressive Mpondo nation”.

“Our entire Mpondo nation grieves His Majesty’s passing and tragic loss. We appeal to everyone to keep us in their prayers during this difficult time,” he said.

According to reports, the late king was only 47 years old when he died.