After spending more than a month in hospital, IFP founder and president emeritus Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi is likely to be discharged next week.
His family confirmed on Thursday that the elderly statesman has gradually recovered.
“We are pleased to report that Prince Buthelezi has made steady progress under the supervision of his medical team in the hospital,” said family spokesperson Dr Bhekuyise Ngqengelele Buthelezi.
“The complications he suffered have been cleared, and his doctors are happy with his state of health. Accordingly, it is anticipated that he will be discharged next week.”
He said it is the family’s wish that Buthelezi, who also serves as the AmaZulu traditional prime minister, had been discharged to celebrate his 95th birthday at his ancestral home of KwaPhindangene in eMahlabathini.
Buthelezi turns 95 on Sunday.
“We are, of course, saddened that he will not be, but we are delighted with his recovery and look forward to next week. We thank God that he has weathered this storm.”
Buthelezi, who served as Home Affairs minister in Nelson Mandela’s administration, had been hospitalised at a health facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal north coast.
He was admitted to the hospital for back pain before his condition worsened.
Buthelezi was subsequently transferred to Durban where he was admitted to the intensive care unit after contracting pneumonia.
Sunday World reported last week that the family had decided to bar anyone from visiting Buthelezi in hospital citing security risk.
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