Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) founder, Zulu prince and traditional prime minister, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, has taken ill. He was hospitalised on Monday, his spokeswoman, Liezl van der Merwe said. She discouraged the public from visiting him as he needed to rest and recover.
Mr Buthelezi, 94, had gone to the hospital for a routine health check but was admitted. He has a prolonged back problem and had to undergo a small procedure for pain management,” said Ms van der Merwe.
“Mr Buthelezi was discharged, but he unfortunately needed to be readmitted for further treatment and recovery,” said Ms van der Merwe. “In the interest of allaying fears, I wish to confirm prince Buthelezi has been hospitalised, but is not critically ill. There are rumours circulating of his ill health which are not true. The nation will be kept abreast as and when necessary. The family welcomes the public’s well wishes. However, a request has been made to refrain from visiting him at hospital – as a speedy recovery depends on his rest.”
On Wednesday morning Ms van der Merwe confirmed Prince Buthelezi remains in hospital for further treatment and recovery. She added that the persistent back pain the prince was experiencing was due to his age. She said his back pain was “really troubling him”. Prince Buthelezi will turn 95 on August 27.
Prince Buthelezi joined the ANC youth league when he was at the University of Fort Hare in 1949. He became the traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarch and nation in 1968. Later he founded the Inkatha yeNululeko yeSizwe in 1975 – it is now known as the IFP. He entered the first democratic parliament in April 1994 as president of the IFP. Prince Buthelezi served as minister of home affairs in the late President Nelson Mandela’s cabinet under the Government of National Unity from 1994 – 1999. He continued to be the minister of home affairs from 1999 – 2004, in the former president Thabo Mbeki cabinet.
Prince Buthelezi played a role in the release of Mr Mandela and other political prisoners. He persuaded then South African President FW de Klerk to release Mr Mandela and other political prisoners, and to allow exiles to return – to begin negotiations towards democracy. His interest continues to be securing social and economic justice for all South Africans; mentoring young leaders; conservation and the preservation of cultural heritage; classical and choral music as well as remembering our history and abiding by the law of the country.
