South Africa Mourns the Passing of Controversial Zulu Prince Buthelezi
Ulundi, South Africa – Thousands of mourners gathered in the town of Ulundi to pay tribute to the late politician and Zulu prince, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, in a state funeral. The country came together to honor a figure who played a significant role in South Africa’s liberation struggle during apartheid.
Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who passed away at the age of 95, had a complex and controversial history. He was known for his bitter rivalry with the African National Congress (ANC) during the apartheid era. However, he went on to found the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and later served as Minister of Home Affairs in the post-apartheid government after reconciling with his former ANC rival, Nelson Mandela.
Despite his eventual reunification with the ANC, Buthelezi’s journey to peace was marred by years of violent conflict between his supporters and ANC loyalists. This internal strife caused numerous casualties and displaced hundreds of thousands of people, leading critics to label Buthelezi as a warlord.
During Buthelezi’s state funeral, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the need for unity among the nation. He called on everyone to focus on what unites them, rather than allocating blame. As Buthelezi’s coffin, draped in the national flag, was brought forward, the ceremony included a poignant 21-gun salute.
The mourners, many dressed in traditional Zulu attire made from animal skins, came together to celebrate the life and legacy of the late prince. They also engaged in ritual preparations, which included the slaughtering and skinning of two giraffes and six impalas, practices that hold great cultural significance in Zulu traditions.
Buthelezi founded the IFP in 1975, quickly establishing it as a dominant force in KwaZulu-Natal. Like the ANC, Buthelezi vehemently opposed the white minority rule that marginalized Zulus and other Black South African nations to homelands.
However, violent conflicts between the IFP and the ANC erupted in the 1980s and 1990s. The ANC, consisting mainly of members from the Xhosa nation, viewed Buthelezi’s willingness to work with the apartheid authorities as a betrayal to the collective cause of Black South Africans.
Ultimately, peace was achieved when Buthelezi decided to participate in South Africa’s first national election in 1994. This historic event marked the end of white minority rule and the rise to power of Nelson Mandela.
KwaZulu-Natal, the province associated with Buthelezi, later became the stronghold of former President Jacob Zuma. However, Zuma’s tenure was marred by numerous corruption scandals, leading to his removal by President Ramaphosa’s ANC faction.
Despite the controversies surrounding Buthelezi’s legacy, he is widely recognized for his commitment to addressing pressing issues and defending democratic institutions in the country.
Having stepped down as the leader of the IFP in 2019, Mangosuthu Buthelezi had continued to leave an indelible mark on South Africa’s history. His passing is a significant moment for the nation, reflecting its respect and recognition of the contributions he made to its political landscape.
In honoring the life of Mangosuthu Buthelezi, South Africa bids farewell to a captivating figure who shaped its history and fought for a better future.
