THE family of the Zulu monarch traditional prime minister and IFP founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi hopes he'll be out of the hospital to celebrate his 95th birthday.
Buthelezi, who is also a member of the National Assembly, has been in hospital after he was admitted on Monday, 24 July, for back pain treatment and developed complications.
He will be turning 95 years old on Sunday, 27 August, and many people are asking whether he'll be celebrating his birthday in the hospital or will recover in time to be discharged.
Buthelezi spokeswoman Liezl van der Merwe told Daily Sun that they remain hopeful that Prince Buthelezi will not celebrate his birthday in hospital.
"Prince Mangosuthu continues to make steady progress under the supervision of his medical team in hospital. We remain hopeful that his birthday will not be spent in hospital.
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"The family is expected to formally update the nation about the health and well-being of uMtwana waKwaPhindangene later in the week," she said.
Buthelezi, also known as uMtwana waKwaPhindangene, was admitted for a routine test and treatment for prolonged back pain.
Although he was discharged, he was readmitted again on the same day for further treatment and recovery.
Later, Buthelezi was reported to have developed complications and remained in the hospital to receive the necessary care.
The annual event to honour him for his work, called the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Legacy Cup, was held in his hometown in Ulundi while he was in hospital.
During the event's gala dinner, South African Archbishop Thabo Makgoba delivered the lecture, while KZN DStv soccer teams battled at the Ulundi stadium to honour him and Shauwn "MaMkhize" Mkhize's club Royal AM won against AmaZulu FC.
Mzansi people, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and King Misuzulu, have wished Buthelezi a speedy recovery.
