By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been hospitalised, Photo: GCIS.
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has confirmed that its founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been hospitalised on Monday, 24 July.
The party said in a statement on Monday that the 94-year-old Buthelezi is undergoing routine tests and treatment for prolonged back pain.
His spokesperson Liezl van der Merwe said, he also underwent a small procedure for back pain management.
“It has come to my attention that rumours are circulating regarding the ill-health of HRH Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. In the interest of allaying fears, I wish to confirm that Prince Buthelezi has been hospitalised, but is not critically ill.
“Although he was discharged, he unfortunately needed to be readmitted for further treatment and recovery.”
Van der Merwe says well-wishers are discouraged from visiting the hospital.
“The nation will be kept abreast as and when necessary. A request has been made that well-wishers please refrain from visiting, as a speedy recovery depends on rest,” she added.
Next month, Buthelezi, who was born on 27 August 1928, will turn 95. The nonagenarian beat Covid-19 in August 2020, a week before his 92nd birthday.
Meanwhile the Democratic Alliance (DA) extended its best wishes to His Royal Highness, Prince Buthelezi, having learned of his readmission to hospital to heal after a minor procedure to relieve prolonged back pain.
In statement the DA said, “We wish HRH a speedy and full recovery, and stand in solidarity with his political home, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and the entire Zulu nation during this period of rest.”
“As a revered and respected leader of the Zulu people, and a cherished and admired hero of both the struggle for South Africa’s freedom, and the establishment of our democratic dispensation, HRH remains a poignant figure to our nation.
“We look forward to leaning on HRH’s wisdom and experience for years to come as South Africa charters new waters in a national coalition government in 2024, where we are sure the IFP will play a critical role in delivering South Africa from three decades of ANC rule, read the statement.