The late Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s family has hailed the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government’s decision to declare his grave as a provincial heritage site.

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

Speaking on behalf of the family, Buthelezi’s son, Inkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi said the family was happy for such recognition by the provincial government. He said the move shows his father’s dedication to serving the public and having spent a little time with his family, was not in vain. Zuzifa Buthelezi said there were times when the family was aggrieved that their father deserted them to focus on other people’s well being.

“There was a time where my mother had no husband and we as kids felt we had no father. We were aggrieved.

“However, when we see that those whom my father served have not forgotten him even after he has gone, it makes us feel that his absence from home was worth it. So as a family we appreciate the honour by the provincial government to declare his grave as a heritage site,” said Buthelezi.

The launch will be presided over by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Thamsanqa Ntuli, 

In a statement, the provincial government said the launch signalled the genesis of a three-year project aimed at preserving Prince Buthelezi’s rich legacy that extended 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.

“The launch of his Place of Rest as a provincial heritage site ensures that future generations will remember Prince Buthelezi not only as a leader, but as a man of extraordinary devotion to his people and his country,” read the statement.

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 of 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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