By Zukile Majova
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the traditional prime minister to the Zulu nation has died after a long illness.
Buthelezi passed away in the early hours of Saturday, 9 September 2023, just two weeks after his 95th birthday.
The founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party has been in and out of hospital in recent months.
Initially the chief of the Buthelezi clan in northern KwaZulu-Natal was admitted for a routine treatment of a persistent back pain.
He was soon released but was immediately readmitted for more treatment. It was during further treatment that doctors found the prince of KwaPhindangene Palace had developed pneumonia.
Shenge, as Buthelezi is affectionately known, was treated at St Augustine Hospital in Durban where he was released last week after showing signs of recovery.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is attending the G20 Summit in India, said he was deeply saddened by Prince Buthelezi’s death.
“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 Inkatha Freedom Party,” the president said in a statement.
Buthelezi, who died as a Member of Parliament, has been a major – and often controversial – political figure in South Africa for decades, founding the IFP in 1975.
Shenge, who was King Misuzulu kZwelithini’s traditional prime minister, is also credited with defending traditional and cultural values of the Zulu nation and traditional leadership in South Africa.
The presidency said announcements will be made in due course after consultation with 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 our country’s history for seven decades”.
“We shall, in due course, reflect more extensively on his extraordinary life and diverse contributions to the development of our nation,” said Ramaphosa.
At this point in time, we embrace the Buthelezi clan in their mourning and pray that the soul of the Prince rests in peace.”
Pictured above: Prince Buthelezi
Image source: File
