Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement to the nation this morning of the sad news of the passing of IFP leader and Traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu nation Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council, led by Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube is visiting KwaPhindangene, in Nkonjeni uLundi, to pay respects to the family.

Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has been in contact with the Buthelezi family and the Presidency to express condolences.

We are indeed deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Prince Buthelezi. It marks the end of an era. He was a giant whose footsteps are etched indelibly on the canvas of time.

For decades Prince Buthelezi has been a huge political figure in our firmament leading the IFP which he founded in the 70s, and which at his death he served as President Emeritus.

Prince Buthelezi's role in the negotiations which led to the democratic transition was emphatic.

His remarkable 95-year march through life's journey earned Prince Buthelezi international repute in the capitals of Europe and the rest of the world, and a place in the annals of our country's history.

His passing is equivalent to the burning down of a library as Prince Buthelezi was an unmatched chronicler and an encyclopaedia of our history. His memory was even until his passing photographic and his storytelling the stuff of international theatres.

As he transitions to the world of ancestors, our hearts are deeply pained by the loss.

On behalf of the government and people of KwaZulu-Natal we doff our hats to Prince Buthelezi for his own part in seeking to work for the people of our country.

As indicated in the Presidency statement, further details in this regard will be made public in due course. “In this moment of our collective grief we pray for strength and fortitude for the family, colleagues and friends of uMntwana waKwaPhindangene.

May His Soul Rest in Peace!

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ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT