Inkatha Freedom Party founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, has died at the age of 95. Here is a gallery of pictures of his life, celebrating his achievements and controversies.
August 31 2018. Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi at his 90th Birthday Celebration in Durban ICC Arena.
(Thuli Dlamini/File)
Inkatha Freedom Party founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has died at the age of 95 almost two months after being admitted to hospital for treatment after a complication from a procedure for back pain management.
Born in 1928, the Zulu prince, who grew up in the royal palace of KwaDlamahlahla, was one of the most prominent politicians of his time, founding the IFP in 1975.
In a piece penned for the Sunday Times on his 93rd birthday, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, a member of the IFP executive, described him as "a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to all those who aspire to public office. The final lesson from his leadership is that a leader produces more leaders."
In July 2021, as KwaZulu-Natal reeled from violent protests, Buthelezi said in a statement: "This is an internal war against ourselves, and South Africa cannot survive it. Ours was already a country on its knees. Such unchecked destruction will finish off any chance of recovery or economic survival. If there is any fear in acting against the perpetrators, that fear must be set aside for the sake of us all."
Below is a gallery of pictures of his life, celebrating his achievements and controversies.
7 May 1969. Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi and his mother Princess Magogo kaDinuzulu.
(Arena Archives)
Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi being draped in a leopard skin by his wife Irine Mzila flanked by their friends Marina Maponya and Richard Maponya.
(Arena Archives)
Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi arriving at Orlando Stadium.
(Arena Archives/Moffat Zungu)
11 November 1992. Joe Slovo and Mangosuthu Buthelezi at the Sowetan CCV Community Builder of the Year awards held at the Joburg Sun.
(Arena Archives)
Mangosuthu Buthelezi places a wreath on the grave of Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme
(Arena Archives)
Mangosuthu Buthelezi during the turbulent 1980s. The late IFP leader masterminded the centrality of the Zulu nation in South Africa’s volatile politics. (Sowetan)
11 March 1978. Mangosuthu Buthelezi with his bodyguard with a revolver after Buthelezi quit Robert Sobukwe's funeral. (Arena Archives)
11 March 1978. Mangosuthu Buthelezi flees Robert Sobukwe's funeral held in Graaff-Reinet
(Arena Archives)
01 September 1991. Mangosuthu Buthelezi during Shaka's Day.
(Juhan Kuus)
16 October 1999. ANC president Thabo Mbeki and Mangosuthu Buthelezi of the Inkatha Freedom Party after the Thokoza Memorial Monument unveiling ceremony held in the East Rand.
(Pat Seboko)
Helen Suzman chats to Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
(Arena Archives)
14 September 1991. South African president F.W. De Klerk, ANC leader Nelson Mandela and IFP leader Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
(Sowetan)
23 April 2007. Mangosuthu Buthelezi kisses Winnie Madikizela-Mandela at the 4th World Congress of Rural Women official opening at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC Arena.
(Mandla Mkhize)
1994. Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Nelson Mandela and Pik botha stand at the back of an LDV as it drives through the crowds in Orlando, Soweto.
(Arena Archives)
August 3 2016. IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi casts his vote at the Mahlabathini Tribal Court in Ulundi.
(Thuli Dlamini)
4 November 2011. Mangosuthu Buthelezi hands Prince Charles a carved stone statue of King Cetshwayo at King Zwelithini's palace in Ulundi
(Jackie Clausen)
IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi during the State of the nation sitting at parliament in Cape Town in 2015. (Esa Alexander/File)
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi receives a gift from King Misuzulu KaZwelithini at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Discussions are still under way as to how he will buried.
(Sandile Ndlovu)
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi sings praises to an emotional King Goodwill Zwelithini during his coronation in Nongoma on 3 December 1971. .
(Arena Archives)
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