Africa-Press – South-Africa. Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s legacy was an “imposing and complex one”, embracing strands as diverse as the mobilisation of ethnic identities in political struggles, the making of peace, service in a government of national unity, and dedication to making democracy work in South Africa.
This is according to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which added its voice to the condolences pouring in following the death of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) founder and traditional Zulu prime minister on Saturday at the age of 95.
“His life journey intersected at multiple points with that of Nelson Mandela. In many ways the two leaders came to embody an understanding of reconciliation which had no need of forgiveness, nor of forgetting the past, nor even of learning to like one another – it was simply about determining to get on together,” the foundation said in a statement.
Two months ago, Buthelezi underwent a medical procedure for back pain management. He developed complications after the procedure.
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal said Buthelezi’s resilience throughout his hospital stay “demonstrated his perseverance in the face of adversity – a remarkable trait of his extraordinary life”.
It added:
“As the ANC, we acknowledge the fact that Shenge was deeply loved by ordinary members of society – the young and old. It is for this reason we would understand why millions of people will appear unwilling to let him go.”
DA leader John Steenhuisen said Buthelezi was a giant on South Africa’s political landscape.
“Across three decades in Parliament and as a minister in the government of national unity and as acting president, he consistently demonstrated the courage of his convictions, never hesitated to speak truth to power, and was a role model for us all,” he said.
ActionSA described Buthelezi as “a giant who played an instrumental role in the fight for democracy during the apartheid regime”.
“He led the Zulu political kingdom with unimpeachable distinction, conscience, integrity and high emotional intelligence. We extend our deepest condolences to the Buthelezi Family, the amaZulu nation, and members of the IFP who have all been bereft by his unfortunate passing,” ActionSA president Herman Mashaba said in a statement.
The EFF said that South Africa’s history – with all its trials, tribulations and contradictions – could not be told without mentioning the role of Buthelezi and the political party he founded and led for 44 years.
“The EFF however appreciates that in his final years of political activity, he was able to suppress political intolerance in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, which allowed the EFF to campaign freely in the province in its formative stages. We send our deepest condolences to the Zulu royal family and to the Inkatha Freedom Party, and hope that the soul of Umntwana ka Phindangene rests in eternal peace,” spokesperson Sinawo Tambo said in a statement.
Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba said that in addition to being a “towering figure in the life of the Zulu nation and South Africa”, Buthelezi was a lay minister who often represented his parish, the Diocese of Zululand and ACSA in church forums, and was a member of the Order of Simon of Cyrene.
Arrangements to honour Buthelezi will be made following consultations between government and the family.
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