Picture: The Inkata Freedom Party leader, Prince Magosuthu Buthelezi/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the death of the Inkata Freedom Party (IFP) president, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who passed away in the early hours of 9 September 2023. The president of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa said Buthelezi died just two weeks after he celebrated his 95th birthday.
“I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the Prince of KwaPhindangene, Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, and the Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party.
“Buthelezi has been an outstanding leader in the political and cultural life of our nation, including the ebbs and flows of our liberation struggle, the transition which secured our freedom in 1994 and our democratic dispensation,” said Ramaphosa.
He further said his thoughts and prayers go out to the Royal Household, who have been blessed to share uMntwana waKwaPhindangene’s extended lifetime with them, as well as to the Zulu Nation and the leadership and membership of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
Ramaphosa added that, announcements will be made in due course, based on consultations between the government and the family on the arrangements to mourn and honour the Inkosi of the Buthelezi clan as a formidable leader, who has played a significant role in the country’s history for seven decades.
“We shall, in due course, reflect more extensively on his extraordinary life and diverse contributions to the development of our nation. At this point in time, we embrace the Buthelezi clan in their mourning and pray that the soul of the Prince rests in peace,” he said.
Also, the National Assembly (NA) speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula paid tribute following Buthelezi’s passing. Mapisa-Nqakula said it is with heavy hearts to pay tribute to a towering figure in the nation’s history and a beloved Member of Parliament (MP), Buthelezi.
“His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that will forever inspire us and guide our path as a nation. Buthelezi’s contributions to Parliament were nothing short of remarkable. He embarked on this parliamentary journey in 1994, at the inception of our democratic rule.
“From that moment, he became a guiding light, illuminating our legislative halls with his wisdom and unwavering commitment to serving our great nation. His presence was a source of wisdom that consistently guided our work in Parliament,” she said.
The Guardian 
May his soul rest in eternal peace and condolences to the bereaved family
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