The Zulu Traditional Prime Minister and founder of Inkatha Freedom Party, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has died.
Buthelezi passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning, a week after he was released from the hospital and two weeks after his 95th birthday.
Before his release, the family announced that he was recovering well at home. He had been admitted due to back pain. He suffered more complications in hospital and was in intensive care for some time.
In a statement on Saturday, the family said it is with utter grief that the family 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,” read the statement.
It further said it will engage with 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.
On Saturday President Cyril Ramaphosa also confirmed the passing of Buthelezi.
“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,” said Ramaphosa.
He said in a statement that 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. 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.”
Ramaphosa said announcements would 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.
“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.”
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