Cape Town – Former founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Prince Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi has died.
He was 95.
His family confirmed his death, expressing their grief and gratitude for his life.
“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.
“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.
“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. 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. Further details in this regard will be announced in due course,” the family said in a statement.
Buthelezi had been hospitalised in July but his spokesperson initially downplayed reports of a terminal illness, stating it was for routine back treatment.
Born into the Zulu Royal family in 1928, he held the title of Prince and served as traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarch.
Messages of condolences are pouring on social media following his death.
“I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the Prince of KwaPhindangene, Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, and the Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party.
“Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been an outstanding leader in the political and cultural life of our nation, including the ebss and flows of our liberation struggle, the transition which secured our freedom in 1994 and our democratic dispensation,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa.
I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the Prince of KwaPhindangene, Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, and the Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been an… pic.twitter.com/pqa2iJpysz
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 9, 2023
The EFF Sends Its Deepest Condolences To The Zulu Royal Family And The Inkatha Freedom Party On The Passing Of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Lala Ngoxolo Shenge! pic.twitter.com/XdugVaG25H
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) September 9, 2023
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi passed away in the early hours of today, 09 Sept. 2023.💔💔
He has been an ‘outstanding leader’ in the political & cultural life of our nation,
Rest in Peace Shenge 🕊🕊🕊
MacG Sasha Obama Julius Malema Cassper Nasty C Trevor Noah #018Video Zola pic.twitter.com/FFM6b19ZbD
— YaseBlock B 🇸🇿 (@ThisIsColbert) September 9, 2023
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Picture: Twitter/@CyrilRamaphosa
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
