The great tree has fallen!
This is how izinduna in and around Ekurhuleni described the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Daily Sun visited the Zulu Hostel in Vosloorus and Kwezine Hostel in Katlehong on Saturday, 9 September.
The Zulu Hostel dwellers observed a moment of silence in honour of the late Buthelezi before the izinduna meeting.
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The chairperson of izinduna Thulani Mhlongo said a dark cloud has descended upon the nation.
He said: "He stood for truth and always wanted the best for Zulu people and the people at large. All the hostels are still in the township because of him. He always wanted the best for everyone."
Daily Sun spoke to some of the hostel dwellers who had fond things to say about Buthelezi.
Noma Mfeka said: "We have lost a great leader who was humble. Whenever there were imbizo in Vosloorus, he used to treat everyone with respect."
Phindile Vilakazi said: "Shenge had always put people first, his leadership skills were out of this world. Even when there were conflicts within the group, he had his way of solving things and encouraging people to work together."
Mpiyakhe Mthembu said he was heartbroken by the passing of Shenge.
He said: "I didn’t sleep last night and in the early hours I woke up. When I heard the news on the radio that Prince Buthelezi had died, my heart broke."
He said for years he had known Buthelezi, and what was outstanding about him was the way he always encouraged people to be united.
Zwelombango Ntombela from Kwesi hostel said Shenge taught him respect and humility.
"Whenever we had a meeting with him, Shenge would stress the importance of respect. The nation has lost an icon who spent his entire life uplifting the lives of many people," he said.
Ntombi Mtshali said in 2022 Shenge came to Vosloorus to address the residents.
"He was never afraid to stand up and tell the truth without any favour. We have lost a great leader who always wanted to bring order to the IFP and even in parliament," she said.
