Mangosuthu Buthelezi, an esteemed South African politician and Zulu prince, passed away at the age of 95, as confirmed by the presidency on Saturday. Having served as the founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Buthelezi held the position of Minister of Home Affairs for two terms in the post-apartheid government, following a reconciliation with the African National Congress (ANC) in 1994.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his deep sadness in an official statement, announcing the passing of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who held significant roles as the Prince of KwaPhindangene, Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation. Local news website News24 reported that Buthelezi underwent a back pain procedure in July, and when the pain persisted, he was readmitted to the hospital.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation acknowledged the intersecting paths of Buthelezi’s and Mandela’s lives, describing his legacy as both imposing and complex. The foundation emphasized their embodiment of a reconciliation that did not necessitate forgiveness, forgetting the past, or even personal fondness, but rather a determination to coexist peacefully, as stated in their official release.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa’s primary opposition party, hailed Buthelezi as a remarkable leader. DA leader John Steenhuisen referred to Prince Buthelezi as a towering figure in South African politics.
Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s upbringing was rooted in traditional customs, spending his early years as a herdboy. In 1953, he assumed the role of acting chief of the prominent Buthelezi clan, which he later confirmed as chief four years thereafter. He chose not to embrace polygamy, a common practice among Zulu chiefs, and was married to Irene Mzila, a nurse. The couple had three sons and four daughters.
