MOURNERS and top political leaders continue to visit Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi's home to mourn with his family.
On Tuesday, 12 September, EFF and the DA led by deputy president Floyd Shivambu and John Steenhuisen visited the family.
Shivambu advised the IFP leadership to not fight for positions and split the party to keep Buthelezi's legacy alive.
DA came with three cows, a traditional mat, and blanket as the sign of mourning in the Zulu culture.
Shivambu said the IFP should not use the opportunity of the death of the founding president to cause internal strife and fights.
“The IFP must remain a solid organisation. It has a role to play in KZN and it must stand for what it stands for. It must not be divided by people fighting each other.
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“Don’t destroy the organisation because if you destroy the organisation, you destroy his legacy and it will mean that you never had respect for Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi,” he said.
Shivambu said this because in August, some of the IFP members were allegedly planning to remove IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa with a vote of no confidence while Buthelezi was in hospital, and they later apologised.
Steenhuisen said Prince Buthelezi dedicated his entire life to improving the lives of his followers and the Zulu nation and South Africans.
“He was a champion of freedom and democracy, statesman and a leader. The schedule he had, even into his old years, would make many young people exhausted after a day or two and he kept on moving.
“As I entered politics, I got to know Prince Buthelezi first as the councillor, and became KZN legislature and later in Parliament. I was always struck by the fact he always makes time to speak to us, even junior members,” he said.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Thembi Nkadimeng, Minister of Public Works Sihle Zikalala, IFP Youth Brigade, AfriForum, former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu and locals also visited the Buthelezi family.
Buthelezi’s son, Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi, said they were comforted to see leaders come to mourn with them during this difficult time.
“As the Buthelezi clan and family, we are grateful and comforted,” he said.
