People of KZN called on to unite during week of mourning for Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, died on Saturday (September 9), 13 days after he had celebrated his 95th birthday on August 27.

Prince Buthelezi had been in hospital for a while, and spokesperson for the IFP, Liezl van der Merwe said he was being treated for back pain. A statement released by Prince Buthelezi’s family, noted that he had “quietly and painlessly passed away” on Saturday.

“We realise that this loss will be deeply felt by many and 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, His Excellency the President, the Buthelezi Clan and the leadership of the Inkatha Freedom Party as the necessary funeral arrangements are made,” they said in the statement.

The IFP said Prince Buthelezi’s passing is a sad, profound loss for the IFP and for South Africa. He was the president Emeritus Inkosi of the Buthelezi Clan and traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu monarch and nation.

“Prince Buthelezi was a freedom fighter and patriot who loved his country and served it diligently throughout his life. This is a loss that we feel deeply, which even time will not heal. We derive comfort from the knowledge that Shenge passed as he lived, in peace,” the statement read.

Throughout his life, the Prince of KwaPhindangene worked tirelessly for South Africa’s freedom, development, and democracy, they added. His legacy is that of servant leadership to South Africa. Prince Buthelezi’s funeral will be held this Friday (September 15), venue details are yet to be confirmed. His family has requested a state funeral. The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government said Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube is in communication with the Presidency on the funeral arrangements.

ANC leader President Cyril Ramaphosa described Prince Buthelezi as an outstanding leader in the political and cultural life of the nation, as well as the ebbs and flows of the liberation struggle, the transition which secured freedom in 1994 and the democratic dispensation.

“We shall, in due course, reflect more extensively on his extraordinary life and diverse contributions to the development of our nation. At this point in time, we embrace the Buthelezi clan in their mourning and pray that the soul of the Prince rests in peace,” said President Ramaphosa.

ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo said the party had declared a week of mourning in tribute to Prince Buthelezi. He has been praised for his role in South Africa's transition to democracy.

“During the week of mourning we call on the people of KwaZulu-Natal to unite across all political lines and remember that we have a responsibility to work together to build a stronger province than many of our leaders envisioned,” Mr Mtolo said.

Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, Dr Thabo Makgoba, said apart from being a towering figure in the life of the Zulu nation and South Africa, Prince Buthelezi was a lay minister of his church. He often represented his parish, the Diocese of Zululand and ACSA in church forums, and was a member of the Order of Simon of Cyrene.

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Marcus Ramogale, of Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), said staff marvelled at how the Prince related the history of his country, South Africa, and that of the Zulu nation.

“He was a fantastic storyteller; we will always remember him for that as well the foresight he had for the future of the country. Those of us that are old enough, will recall his efforts at showing how the future of South Africa should be, so that its people would enjoy their country in several ways; so that its people would be free from the apartheid bondage,” said Professor Ramogale.

“The Prince leadership shone through during, and after the fall of apartheid, when he was one of the political leaders that all of us, irrespective of our political persuasions, would look upon to show the way. President Nelson Mandela requested Prince Buthelezi to hold the reigns when he was overseas. President Mandela looked up to him to help with issues that required proper leadership.”

Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army in Southern Africa, Commissioner Torben Eliasen, said Prince Buthelezi was considered the father and leader of the nation. He was appointed the Prime Minister of the Zulu nation in 1954 and held this position to date. In doing so, he played a pivotal role in uniting the Zulu nation and country at large.

“Prince Buthelezi was deeply concerned about the number of social ills and challenges around the country. He was concerned about violence against women and children, and the loss of ubuntu among his subjects. He was instrumental in unifying the nation and advocating for peace among his subjects,” said Mr Eliasen.

Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa, said Prince Buthelezi had shaped the body politics of our nation over multiple decades. Mr Maimane said Prince Buthelezi’s contribution to the Zulu community was immeasurable, and that he had been a custodian of knowledge and values.

“His leadership of the IFP and role in transition of our country has been a significant part of our democracy. He was a sharp thinker, always resolute, in service of the people. May his soul rest in Peace. Hamba kahle Mangethe,” Mr Maimane said.

Former president Jacob Zuma said the IFP leader’s role in bringing about an end to the bloody conflict between its supporters and those of the ANC will never be erased.

Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson, Mzwanele Manyi, said Mr Zuma believed Prince Buthelezi had played a remarkable role in supporting the Zulu monarchy and that the two had become friends while addressing complicated questions.