Mzansi mourns death of Princess Irene, wife of Mangosuthu Buthelezi
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Image: Jackie Clausen / ST
Social media has been flooded with tributes for Irene Audrey Thandekile Buthelezi, the wife of veteran politician Mangosuthu Buthelezi who died on Monday.
"Following a long and difficult illness, Princess Irene passed away peacefully Monday morning at KwaPhindangene.
"She leaves behind her husband of almost 67 years, their children, Prince Ntuthukoyezwe Zuzifa, Princess Phumzile Nokuphiwa and Princess Sibuyiselwe Angela, and many grandchildren. All are devastated by this loss," the Buthelezi family said in a statement confirming the news.
While the family has asked for privacy during the mourning period, social media has been inundated with messages of condolences.
Among those paying tribute was the EFF, which wished the family strength and comfort.
EFF Sends Condolences To The Buthelezis On The Passing Of Princess Irene Audrey Thandekile Buthelezi pic.twitter.com/WoiFoerOQG
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) March 25, 2019
Politicians and ordinary South Africans also offered their prayers of comfort.
Condolences to Buthelezi family on the passing away of Princess Irene Buthelezi (Wife to Mangosuthu Buthelezi)#IreneButhelezi
— Hloni Nyetanyane (@HloniNyetanyane) March 25, 2019
Princess Irene Buthelezi dies after long illness https://t.co/3Hec7J2o7V via @eNCA Our condolences to Nkosi Buthelezi and his family. This has been a long journey for her, incl to look after Zuzi Ntuthuko & his siblings during difficult period in SA’s history . May her soul RIP. pic.twitter.com/zwyoW0WAg0
— Bantu Holomisa (@BantuHolomisa) March 25, 2019
We mourn the loss of Princess Irene Buthelezi, wife of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. After 67 years of marriage, bahlukaniswe ukufa. Lala ngokuthula salulazi💔 pic.twitter.com/rnrxPrK5p4
— Duke of Zulu (@KwaziKaSondiya) March 25, 2019
Just heard the sad the wife of uBaba Buthelezi has shuffled off this mortal coil. Deep condolences to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and his family
— lolonga tali (@longisto) March 25, 2019
Oh so saddening to hear that Xoli’s mom is late. My thoughts are with the Buthelezi family, especially uShenge who has lost his wife, best friend and mother of his children
— Palesa Flower (@PSeretlo) March 25, 2019
My deepest sympathy to the Zulu Nation, may the name of your Princess (Princess Irene Audrey Thandekile Buthelezi) live for ever.
— Teboho (@DrLTBell) March 25, 2019
I received the message of the passing on of the Princess Irene, the wife our veteran politician Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi with great sadness. Though her passing on is sad, we should really appreciate their example to younger generation on how marriage and family be viewed.
— Tshililo Liphadzi (@Tshililo10) March 25, 2019
#MangosuthuButhelezi deepest condolences to family and friends. May Princess Irene’s memory be a blessing 🙏
— Purplecherry (@freezochino) March 25, 2019
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