Special official funeral declared for late Prince Buthelezi

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special official funeral category one to honour the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

Buthelezi passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning at age 95.

With the president declaring that, this means the service will entail elements of military honours, Ramaphosa has directed that flags be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country from Tuesday.

Funeral bestowed on Buthelezi is granted by the president on persons of extraordinary credentials.

Vincent Magweya, the presidential spokesperson said; “The state official and provincial official funeral policy of government accords special official funerals category one to persons of extraordinary credentials specifically designated by the president of the republic of South Africa. The prince’s funeral will entail elements of military honours”. 

A memorial service is set to take place on Wednesday in Ulundi.

Meanwhile, the Inkatha Freedom Party(IFP) in KwaZulu-Natal says it won’t commit to any coalition agreements before next year’s general elections takes place. 

The party says it expects to continue doing well in the province despite the passing of its founding member, Prince Buthelezi.

Party members and supporters continue to mourn the death of the prime minister of the Zulu nation. 

ALSO READ | Prince Buthelezi remembered as custodian of Zulu tradition and culture

Dignitaries are expected to continue arriving at KwaPhindangene royal household.

The Economic Freedom Fighters has confirmed that its deputy president Ford Shivambu will be visiting the family. 

Since Buthelezi’s passing there has been questions about the stability of the IFP especially heading to next year’s election.

Siphosethu Ngcobo, the party secretary general, says their work continues and they are not yet keen to tie themselves to any promises of coalition.

“Elections are unpredictable all the time, therefore it doesn’t make sense to go into hard agreements. What we are saying is that we will bind ourselves to anything that cannot be untied,” he express.