Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Dies: Mzansi Plunged In Mourning
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the Zulu monarch and traditional prime minister, has died. He was 95.
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He died in the early hours of Saturday, 9 September 2023, after being hospitalised for back pain in July. He had been discharged last week.
President Cyril Ramaphosa Confirms As Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Dies
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his death in a statement, expressing his condolences to the Buthelezi family, the Zulu Royal Household and the IFP.
He praised Buthelezi as an “outstanding leader” who contributed to the liberation struggle against apartheid, the transition to democracy in 1994 and the development of the nation.
A Life Of Sacrifice
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Dies [Image: Twitter]
Prince Buthelezi was born on 27 August 1928 in Mahlabathini, KwaZulu-Natal. He was a descendant of King Shaka, the founder of the Zulu kingdom, and a nephew of King Solomon kaDinuzulu.
The Zulu monarch studied at Fort Hare University, where he met Nelson Mandela and other future leaders of the African National Congress (ANC).
Prince Buthelezi founded the IFP in 1975 as a cultural movement that became a political force in his home province. He also served as the chief minister of the KwaZulu homeland under apartheid.
He opposed the ANC’s armed struggle and advocated for peaceful negotiations with the white minority government.
However, his relationship with the ANC deteriorated in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to violent clashes between their supporters.
The IFP leader initially boycotted the first democratic elections in 1994, but later agreed to participate after reaching a deal with Mandela. He joined the government of national unity as the minister of home affairs, a position he held until 2004.
Prince Buthelezi remained the leader of the IFP until 2019, when he stepped down and became its president emeritus. He also served as the traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarch and nation, advising King Goodwill Zwelithini until his death in March 2021 and his successor King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
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He is survived by his wife Irene Thandekile MaMzila Buthelezi, whom he married in 1952, and their eight children.
