Buthelezi didn't want funeral to become 'political spectacle': KZN premier
KwaZulu Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has met with the family of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi to discuss memorial arrangements following his death on Saturday.
Buthelezi, former IFP leader and traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation, died at his home in Mahlabatini at the age of 95.
"We knew that he was ill, but we did not expect that he would leave us at this time,” Dube-Ncube said following her visit.
"We have been in touch with the Presidency with a view of starting to coordinate from the government side on the support that we will be giving the family from now on.
"We want to convey to our communities that we are still in discussion with the family, and at the appropriate time, we will issue the details about what is going to happen moving forward.
"Let's all respect the family, and let's give them space to grieve and to mourn their father and leader. There will be prayer services, and people will be informed of the arrangements.
"We are still arranging how people who might not be able to come this side can maybe write messages and how this will be coordinated from the government side."
Dube-Ncube also stressed the need for unity among the various stakeholders who will be involved in the funeral arrangements.
"Let's work together to make sure we give him the send-off he deserves,” Dube-Ncube requested.
"We need to give communities, international visitors and political parties space, but the family will lead the way. Buthelezi always stressed that he didn't want his funeral to become a political spectacle.
"He wants people of South Africa and people of KwaZulu-Natal to mourn and to be able to grieve his departure without feeling unwanted or unwelcome at any given time."
READ MORE:
