The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has backed the provincial government’s decision to declare the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s grave as a provincial heritage site.

In partnership with the Buthelezi family, the provincial government officially launched Buthelezi’s Place of Rest as a provincial heritage site on Wednesday. The event took place at Buthelezi’s home at the KwaPhindangene Royal Residence, Mahlabathini outside Ulundi in the north of the province.

Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, ANC provincial task team coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu said his party was fully behind the decision to honour Buthelezi for his contribution to the uplifting of people and democracy in South Africa. He said the party dispatched its top leadership, led by the first deputy convener Weziwe Thusi to represent the party at the launch.

“The ANC, which is part of the Government of Provincial Unity, fully supports the decision to honour the late Buthelezi for his contribution to society and democracy in the country. We also call on the government to continue honouring other heroes and heroines in the same way,” said Mabuyakhulu.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Buthelezi’s son, Inkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi said the family was happy for such recognition by the provincial government and the move showed his father’s dedication to serving the public.

The launch was presided over by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thamsanqa Ntuli and other cabinet members. The provincial government said the launch signals the genesis of a three-year project aimed at preserving Prince Buthelezi’s rich legacy that extends far beyond the cultural, ethnical and political spectrum.

The project will culminate in the grave being declared a national heritage site, however, that will need approval from the National Heritage Council.

Born the son of Inkosi Mathole Buthelezi and Princess Constance Magogo kaDinuzulu, Prince Buthelezi was a direct descendant of Zulu royal lineage. He resumed his work as Inkosi of the Buthelezi Clan from 1953 until his passing in 2023. He was also Traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu Nation under three kings – King Cyprian Bhekuzulu, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, and King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.

He also founded the Inkatha Freedom Party in 1975 which he led until 2019. In 1977 he became  the Chief Minister of the KwaZulu Government, until 1994. He passed away in 2023 and was honoured with a full state funeral where the eulogy was delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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