APA-Pretoria (South Africa) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the death of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who died on Saturday morning after a long illness.
Buthelezi, who was diabetic, was discharged last week after being hospitalised over complications following an operation in July.
“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,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.
He added: “Prince 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.”
Late President Nelson Mandela appointed Buthelezi to serve as democratic South Africa’s first Home Affairs Minister.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthulezi was born on 27 August 1928 in Mahlabatini in Kwazulu-Natal.
His parents were Chief Mathole Buthelezi and Princess Magogo kaDinuzulu, daughter of King Solomon kaDinuzulu.
He is, therefore, a direct descendant of King Shaka, the founder of the Zulu nation, through his mother.
His great grandfather on his father’s side was Chief Mnyamana Buthelezi, Prime Minister to King Cetshwayo.
In his student days, Buthelezi’s political roots were firmly planted in the African National Congress when he joined the youth league.
He worked with prominent leaders of the struggle, Pixley ka Isaka Seme and Albert Luthuli, and had good relations with young leaders of the movement such as Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela.
NM/jn/APA