KwaPhindangene, Ulundi, 27 August 2025 - The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, led by Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, in partnership with the Buthelezi family, today officially launched Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s Place of Rest as a Provincial Heritage Site at the KwaPhindangene Royal Residence in Mahlabathini, Ulundi.

This historic declaration ensures that the legacy of Prince Buthelezi – a revered leader, statesman, and custodian of Zulu traditions – is preserved for generations to come.

A Life of Service and Dedication

Speaking at the launch, Premier Ntuli described Prince Buthelezi as both a national treasure and a symbol of wisdom and resilience.

“The passing of Prince Buthelezi was like the burning of a great library. His life embodied the rare balance of tradition and politics, service and faith. He was a builder of nations, a servant of the people, and a custodian of Zulu identity,” the Premier said.

He highlighted the Prince’s lifelong service as the Zulu nation’s Prime Minister under three successive monarchs, his founding role in Inkatha yeNkululeko yeSizwe, and his decades of parliamentary service under South Africa’s democratic dispensation.

A Legacy Beyond Politics

Prince Buthelezi was remembered not only as a political leader but as a devoted Christian, an advocate for women and the poor, and a visionary builder of schools, industries, and institutions such as the Mangosuthu University of Technology.

Premier Ntuli further emphasised the Prince’s role in establishing the Ingonyama Trust, which secured land for the Zulu nation and remains a cornerstone of traditional governance in KwaZulu-Natal.

Recognised and Honoured

During his lifetime, Prince Buthelezi was decorated with numerous awards, including the Knight Commander of the Star of Africa (1975), the National Order of Merit (1981), the King’s Cross Award (1989), and the King Shaka Golden Medal (2001). He also received honorary doctorates from universities in South Africa and abroad, underscoring his impact on education, governance, and society.

Preserving a National Treasure

The launch of Prince Buthelezi’s Place of Rest as a Provincial Heritage Site is a testament to his profound impact on South Africa’s history.

“Today the great bull of Mahlabathini rests among the ancestors, but his legacy lives forever in our lives, in our actions, and in our service to the nation. Truly, he was the jewel of our time,” Premier Ntuli declared.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has affirmed that this heritage site will serve as a place of remembrance, education, and inspiration, ensuring that Prince Buthelezi’s legacy continues to guide present and future generations