President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his well wishes to AmaZulu traditional prime minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Ramaphosa has communicated with Buthelezi’s family and was briefed about his health.
“The president has expressed his well wishes and conveyed that his heartfelt prayers are with Prince Buthelezi and the family,” said the Presidency in a statement.
According to the family, Buthelezi’s discharge date will depend on his recovery.
The family also thanked the public for the support and asked that he be allowed time to recover and rest ahead of his 95th birthday later in August.
Sunday World reported on Wednesday that the founder of IFP had been readmitted to the hospital following health complications.
Last week, Buthelezi was admitted to the hospital to undergo a procedure for back pain. He was later discharged to recuperate at home.
It has since emerged that he has been readmitted at a health facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal north coast because of complications he sustained after the procedure.
“He has since developed complications and therefore remains in hospital at this stage to receive the necessary care,” said family spokesperson Ngqengelele Buthelezi on Wednesday.
“The duration of his hospital stay will depend on how fast his body can recover from the complications.”
Since his readmission, confusing reports have surfaced alleging that the elderly statesman is fighting for his life and that he is being treated in the intensive care unit.
Sunday World reported at the start of the week that the IFP president emeritus’ deteriorating health had forced him out of his fourth annual inaugural lecture held in Ulundi on Friday evening.
The lecture, which was delivered by the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town Dr Thabo Makgoba, celebrates the political life and legacy of Buthelezi.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
