Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) founder and traditional Zulu prime minister, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, died on Saturday, September 9 at the age of 95 years.
In a press statement, President President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that Mangosuthu Buthelezi died a few days after celebrating his 95th birthday.
“Prince Buthelezi, who served as democratic South Africa’s first minister of home affairs, passed away in the early hours of today, Saturday, 9 September 2023, just two weeks after the celebration of his 95th birthday,” stated Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa eulogized the late Buthelezi as an outstanding leader in the politics and culture of South Africa.
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
He noted that Buthelezi played a key role in the 1994 liberation struggle as well as participating actively in the current leadership of the country.
“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,” he said.
Similarly, Buthelezi’s family noted in a statement that his death was a great loss to the royal family and the country at large.
“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,” read part of a statement by the family.
