Prince Buthelezi remembered as custodian of Zulu tradition and culture

Share the Article:

Traditional prime minister to the Zulu nation and monarch, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has passed away at the age of 95.

In a statement issued, the family confirmed that Prince Buthelezi died in the early hours of Saturday morning just two weeks after his birthday.

Shenge (as he was affectionately known) was discharged from hospital earlier this week after suffering complications following a procedure for a back pain management in July.

Buthelezi was chief minister of the Kwa-Zulu Bantu-stan during apartheid and founded the Inkatha Freedom Party in 1975. He also served as minister of home affairs from 1994 to 2004.

“We thank God almighty for His faithfulness and grace, knowing with certainty that uMntwana wa KwaPhindangene has been embraced by His Lord.

“We realise that this loss will be deeply felt by many and that many will wish to express their condolences and pay their respects in the days ahead.

“The family will engage his majesty the king and the royal family, the president, Buthelezi clan and the leadership of the IFP as the necessary funeral arrangements are made,” the statement read.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said he is saddened by the passing of Prince Buthelezi.

“Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been an outstanding leader in the political and cultural life of our nation, including the ebss and flows of our liberation struggle, the transition which secured our freedom in 1994 and our democratic dispensation.

“My thoughts and prayers and those of government and our nation go out to the Royal Household who have been blessed to share uMntwana waKwaPhindangene’s extended lifetime with him, as well as to the Zulu Nation and the leadership and membership of the IFP.

“We shall, in due course, reflect more extensively on his extraordinary life and diverse contributions to the development of our nation,” said President Ramaphosa.

I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the Prince of KwaPhindangene, Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, and the Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party.

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been an… pic.twitter.com/pqa2iJpysz

— Cyril Ramaphosa ???????? (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 9, 2023

The Democratic Alliance has extended their deepest condolences to the family of Prince Buthelezi whom they said was a great leader whose work for South Africans people spanned over five decades.

????️ | The DA extends our deepest condolences to the family of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who have lost a dear loved one; to his beloved Inkatha Freedom Party and the Zulu Nation, who have lost a great leader; and indeed to all South Africans, who have lost a founding father. pic.twitter.com/NkJUc9eC0m

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) September 9, 2023

The Economic Freedom Fighter said Prince Buthelezi’s legacy will remain a debate in the South African political terrain for years to come.

ALSO READ | Retail icon Raymond Ackerman dies at 92

“However, we appreciates that in his final years of political activity, he was able to suppress political intolerance in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, which allowed the EFF to campaign freely in the province in its formative stages,” the party said.

The EFF Sends Its Deepest Condolences To The Zulu Royal Family And The Inkatha Freedom Party On The Passing Of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

Lala Ngoxolo Shenge! pic.twitter.com/XdugVaG25H

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) September 9, 2023

Announcements will be made in due course, based on consultations between government and the family, on the arrangements to mourn and honour the Inkosi of the Buthelezi clan as a formidable leader who has played a significant role in the history of the country’s for decades.