The current king of the Zulu in South Africa, Goodwill Zwelithini, has passed away at the age of 72.

Agence France-Presse reported that the Zulu Royal Palace announced on Friday (12th) that the controversial but respected Zulu king, the largest ethnic group in South Africa, has passed away. He was hospitalized with diabetes-related illness last month.

Although the Zulu King Zvelitini has no official power in modern South Africa, he has exerted a huge influence on millions of Zulus through his main ritual and spiritual roles.

During his decades-long rule, Zvelitini resumed the celebration of the virgin festival; was accused of contributing to deadly xenophobic violence; slammed homosexuals as “rotten” and in this country of millions of poor people Enjoying a luxurious life.