IFP founder Mangosuthu Buthelezi passes away at 95
Buthelezi, who served as democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Home Affairs, passed away in the early hours of Saturday, just two weeks after celebrating his 95th birthday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the passing of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu nation and the founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party, on Saturday morning.
"Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been an outstanding leader in the political and cultural life of our nation, including the ebbs and flows of our liberation struggle, the transition which secured our freedom in 1994 and our democratic dispensation," says Ramaphosa.
Buthelezi, who served as democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Home Affairs, passed away in the early hours of Saturday, just two weeks after celebrating his 95th birthday.
Buthelezi spent his 95th birthday in hospital. -
He was discharged at the beginning of September after spending three months on hospital undergoing tests and treatment for prolonged back pain.
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"My thoughts and prayers and those of government and our nation go out to the Royal Household who have been blessed to share uMntwana waKwaPhindangene’s extended lifetime with him, as well as to the Zulu Nation and the leadership and membership of the Inkatha Freedom Party," said Ramaphosa. .
The Presidency said announcements will be made in due course, based on consultations between government and the family, on the arrangements to mourn and honour "the Inkosi of the Buthelezi clan as a formidable leader who has played a significant role in our country’s history for seven decades."
"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," added Ramaphosa.
