President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the passing of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Buthelezi passed away in the early hours of Saturday, just
two weeks after celebrating his 95th birthday.
PICTURE - @CyrilRamaphosa: Prince Mangosuthu ButheleziHe was the Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu nation as
well as the founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party, and was South Africa’s first of
Home Affairs Minister, under a democratic South Africa.
Buthelezi was discharged at the beginning of September, after
spending three months in hospital undergoing tests and treatment for prolonged
back pain.
‘’Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been an outstanding
leader in the political and cultural life of our nation, including the ebss and
flows of our liberation struggle, the transition which secured our freedom in
1994 and our democratic dispensation,’’ said President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a
statement.
‘’My thoughts and prayers and those of government and our
nation go out to the Royal Household who have been blessed to share uMntwana
waKwaPhindangene’s extended lifetime with him, as well as to the Zulu Nation
and the leadership and membership of the Inkatha Freedom Party,’’ he added.
The Presidency said announcements will be made in due
course, based on consultations between government and the family, on the
arrangements of Buthulezi’s funeral.
‘’Announcements will be made in due course, based on
consultations between 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 our 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,’’ the statement read.
The Buthelezi family confirmed the passing.
‘’He quietly and painlessly stepped into eternity in the
early hours of this [Saturday] morning.’’
Done By: Mitchum George
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