Scores of IFP supporters and amabutho (Zulu regiments) braved the unbearable heat to line the major streets of the rural town of Ulundi, northern KwaZulu-Natal as the body of the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi was being fetched from the local mortuary.
Clergyman also stood next to the coffin wrapped in zebra skin as it was being loaded into the vehicle, before a convoy of vehicle accompanied his body to KwaPhindangene.
Amabutho clad mainly in amabheshu (high flap covering the buttocks) and armed with cow shields stood for several hours next to the mortuary. They carried the coffin destined for KwaPhindangene, the ancestral home of the IFP founder.
One of the leaders of amabutho, Mzunjani Mathaba, explained that Buthelezi had to be fetched by amabutho as a sign of respect for his role as the AmaZulu traditional prime minister.
“Traditionally his body should be accepted by amabutho because he was the highest commander of the regiments. They are the ones who should make the first salute before his body is handed over to the family,” said Mathaba.
The area of Ulundi and its surrounding village of eMahlabathini has been exempted from loadshedding until Sunday in preparation for the funeral of Buthelezi.
Buthelezi, who served as the first minister of home affairs under the democratic dispensation, died at the age of 95 at his home in eMahlabathini last Saturday.
His body will be laid to rest at his home on Saturday. The funeral has been accorded an official funeral category 1 reserved for individuals of extraordinary distinction. President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy.
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