Africa-Press – South-Africa. IFP emeritus president Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi was laid to rest at a regional stadium named after him in uLundi, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday.
Buthelezi, 95, died after a sudden illness a week ago.
More than 20 000 people gathered at the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi regional stadium where leaders shared glowing tributes about the polarising figure.
The stadium was filled with men, women and children in IFP colours – white, red and yellow and a touch of green. All the speakers, including the family, touched on Buthelezi’s unwavering faith.
However, the family sought to respond to criticism of Buthelezi. While there was recognition of his unpopularity with a section of South Africa’s population, mourners gathered for the funeral service were encouraged to honour the late politician.
Latterly, Buthelezi had engaged in a project to respond to criticism following years of blame for delaying the fight against apartheid. President Cyril Ramaphosa also noted this in his speech.
Buthelezi’s granddaughter, famous rapper Latoya Buthelezi, said: “My grandfather served selflessly… I hope we can reflect on his life with nuance”.
IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa – who succeeded Buthelezi as the party’s president after 44 years at the helm – said it was wrong to blame the late politician for his decision to oppose sanctions against South Africa during the undemocratic apartheid regime.
“He protected jobs when he campaigned against disinvestment,” Hlabisa said.
Ramaphosa hailed Buthelezi for his impact on South Africa’s modern history and championing the preservation “of all indigenous cultures”.
Ramaphosa mentioned the hit television series based on the Zulu nation’s history, Shaka iLembe, and said its producers had sought advice from Buthelezi about the show.
Ramaphosa also heaped praise on the Zulu traditional prime minister’s stance on HIV, having been one of the first leaders to announce that it had affected his children. He referenced Buthelezi’s love for Amabutho (Zulu regiments) and music.
Earlier, Amabutho leaders prodded one another into singing chants and trotted up and down up in front of the main stage.
The coffin – draped in the South African flag – was mounted on the carriage as Amabutho chanted solemnly. Clergy leaders and Amabutho ushered the coffin under a marquee placed to the right of the stage.
Hlabisa said: “Today is a sad day as we bid farewell to uShenge.”
He said the day was “overwhelming”, and the IFP had no words to express how they feel as the party.
Hlabisa said:
He said beyond the grief was the strength Buthelezi gave the party. “The IFP undoubtedly laid the greatest claim, demanded the greatest share of umntwana [Buthelezi] even when he was home affairs minister and when he was acting president..”
He said Buthelezi taught the IFP the most difficult lesson: to forgive. Hlabisa added that Buthelezi’s party will now strive for the IFP “to remain a strong force” ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Buthelezi’s granddaughters spoke of his hugs, kisses on the cheeks, and his devotion to religion. His grandchildren left the stage visibly inconsolable after paying tribute to the IFP leader.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who penned a long tribute and sent it to the family, said soon after the IFP’s creation Buthelezi was invited to Nigeria so Obesanjo could have a direct account of why the party was formed.
“What he said on that occasion still continues to ring in our minds. Today we have laying in front of us a victor… a hero and a conqueror in the fight against inhumanity against humans.”
Buthelezi’s son, Ntuthuko, said there was a “strange absence” in the homestead after his father’s passing. He described his father as a humorous man.
“I felt so emotional, I was almost reduced to tears seeing so many people [come to pay tribute],” Parliament Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said she paid her respects to the Buthelezi family.
“Hlabisa is filling big shoes. A giant tree has fallen and, therefore, this tree leaves a void and a crater where this great tree was firmly rooted,” Mapisa-Nqakula said.
For More News And Analysis About South-Africa Follow Africa-Press
