Princess Phumzile Buthelezi, the elder daughter of IFP founder and party president emeritus Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, has revealed why he has remained in hospital.
Speaking on behalf of the family last week, Dr Ngqengelele Buthelezi said the IFP founder had fully recovered from pneumonia he contracted while being treated for back pain complications.
However, he did not say why Buthelezi was being kept in the hospital.
“We are pleased to report that Prince Buthelezi has made steady progress under the supervision of his medical team in the hospital,” he said last week.
“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.”
On Thursday, Phumzile let the cat out of the bag and said her father was being kept in hospital because of medical negligence.
“My father had fully recovered, but there was negligence on behalf of the nurses who burnt him with hot water,” she said.
“This meant he had to stay and be treated for the wound.”
She pointed out that although the family is hurting about what had transpired, it has no intention to sue the hospital.
“We are deeply hurt, but we will not take any action against the hospital because we are not people who love drama and controversy,” she said.
She also took the time to dispel speculations that Buthelezi has long died but was being kept on life support until the Brics Summit wrapped up.
The summit, attended by world leaders including China’s president, took place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from Tuesday to Thursday last week.
“These speculations did hurt the family, but we are happy that my father was able to celebrate his birthday. He told me that he was in good spirits,” said Phumzile.
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