By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GettyImages.
Former Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) founder and President Emeritus Prince Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi has died at the age of 95.
“It is with utter grief that we, the family of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP, announce the passing of South Africa’s truest champion and greatest servant, our father, uMntwana wa KwaPhindangene,” said the family.
“In this devastating moment, we thank God Almighty for His faithfulness and grace, knowing with certainty that uMntwana has been embraced by His Lord. He quietly and painlessly stepped into eternity in the early hours of this morning,” said Dr Bhekuyise Ngqengelele Buthelezi.
“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.”
Buthelezi was the longest-serving AmaZulu Traditional Prime Minister to three successive Zulu kings, dating back to King Cyprian Bhekuzulu, and spearheaded the installation of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s ascension to the throne.
He was listed in the Guinness World Records as having made the longest speech to a legislative assembly with an address in March 1993 over 11 days, with an average of two-and-a-half hours each day.
Tributes pour in for Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi
The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has paid tribute to “distinguished statesman” and “fountain of wisdom”, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
The ANC in KZN has added to the many voices that have since paid tribute to the 95-year-old since news of his passing on Saturday morning.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Buthelezi family, the entire Buthelezi Clan and to the Inkatha Freedom Party. The ANC as a caring organisation, shares your pain and anguish during this difficult period.
“While we appreciated the advancement in his age and the condition of his health, we were still hopeful that he was going to recover and continue to fulfil his important roles in society,” said ANC Provincial Secretary, Bheki Mtolo.
The Democratic Alliance described Buthelezi as a giant on South Africa’s political landscape.
“Across three decades in Parliament and as a Minister in the Government of National Unity and as Acting President, he consistently demonstrated the courage of his convictions, never hesitated to speak truth to power, and was a role model for us all.
“Today and always, we honour his steadfast commitment to building a peaceful, just and free nation,” the party said.
DA leader John Steenhuisen said it was also heart warming to them that Buthelezi lived to witness and bless the close relationship between the DA and IFP, which led to a constructive working relationship in KwaZulu Natal and which culminated in the historic formation of the Multi-Party Charter last month.
Action SA’s leader, Herman Mashaba says Buthelezi was a giant who played an instrumental role in the fight for democracy during the Apartheid regime and served as Minister of Home Affairs from 1994 to 2004.
“He led the Zulu political kingdom with unimpeachable distinction, conscience, integrity and high emotional intelligence. We extend our deepest condolences to the Buthelezi Family, the amaZulu Nation, and members of the IFP who have all been bereft by his unfortunate passing.
“ActionSA’s Leadership will be visiting his family to offer our support during this difficult period and will await funeral details so as to be in attendance. Lala ngoxolo, Shenge. Wena owadliwa zindlovukazi zamlobolela.”
The ANC’s Mahlengi Bhengu- Motsiri hailed the prince as the son of the people of Mahlabathini.
“Buthelezi will be remembered as the son of the people of eMahlabathini, a son of Princess Magogo, the Prime Minister to the AmaZulu nation and an elder to our nation.”
IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa “It is with the deepest sorrow that we have received news from the family of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP that the Lord has called His servant home. The Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party passed away peacefully in the early hours of this morning. We are devastated by this unspeakable loss to the IFP, the Zulu Nation, our country, and the greater cause of justice and peace.
“Recognising that the deepest pain is reserved for the Buthelezi family, the IFP has extended our condolences and full support in this most difficult time. We will defer to the family on all arrangements to honour Prince Buthelezi, with assurances that in the days, months and years to come, the IFP will place the legacy of our Founder at the centre of all our work in the service of South Africa.
“On behalf of the IFP, I offer condolences to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and the Zulu Royal Family on the loss of the Zulu nation’s long-serving traditional Prime Minister, who gave so much to strengthen the institution of the monarchy and ensure the recognition of the King.”
It is with sadness that the Nelson Mandela Foundation acknowledges the passing of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a prominent figure in the tapestry of South Africa’s history.
His legacy is an imposing and complex one, embracing strands as diverse as the mobilisation of ethnic identities in political struggles, the making of peace, service in a government of national unity, and dedication to making democracy work in South Africa. His life journey intersected at multiple points with that of Nelson Mandela. In many ways the two leaders came to embody an understanding of reconciliation which had no need of forgiveness, nor of forgetting the past, nor even of learning to like one another – it was simply about determining to get on together.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation extends its condolences to the Buthelezi family, the IFP, and all South Africans who mourn the loss of an elder.
First reed dance without Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi as maidens mourn his death
The annual Zulu Royal Reed Dance also known as Umkhosi woMhlanga is set to go ahead despite the passing of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi on Saturday morning.
Maidens from across the country had already converged at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma when the news broke with more expected to trickle in during the day.
This will be the first reed dance without Buthelezi who has been a towering figure and a staunch advocate of the Zulu nation’s traditional and cultural practices.