Ramaphosa mourns death of Prince Buthelezi

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Founder and Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and nation Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has died.

Buthelezi, 95, passed away at his home KwaPhindangene in the early hours of Saturday, 9 September 2023 just two weeks after his birthday.

RAMAPHOSA MOURNS PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI

Buthelezi has been in and out of hospital lately. He was admitted for a minor procedure to alleviate prolonged back pain in July this year and developed complications.

Read Also: Zulu Prime Minister Prince Buthelezi Hospitalized

Following the news of his passing, President Cyril Ramaphosa described Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi as an outstanding leader in the political and cultural life of the nation, including the ebbs and flows of the liberation struggle, the transition which secured freedom in 1994 and the democratic dispensation.

Ramaphosa said his thoughts and prayers and those of government and the 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.

“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,” Ramaphosa said.