Thousands pay final respects as Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi is laid to rest

DIGNITARIES from across South Africa converged on the Ulundi Regional Stadium today (Saturday), to bid a final farewell to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who was laid to rest at an official State funeral.

Among the mourners were business people, leaders of the various political parties, and former heads of State from South Africa and the continent.

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Acting KZN Premier Siboniso Duma said it was with a deep sense of humility that he rose to welcome mourners to the special farewell of the Prime Minister to the Zulu monarch and nation.

“It is true that leaders with rare qualities are hard to come by. Having this democratic government is a privilege [for which] many people paid with their lives. We would like to thank the Buthelezi family for having shared their father with the people of this province,” said Duma.

Delivering the eulogy, President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed Buthelezi as a true leader who played a pivotal role in the dispensation of a democratic South Africa and deserved a well befitting send-off.

“What Shenge’s life has taught us is that our differences must never stand in the way of our South African nationality and our nationalism. As political parties, we have to work for unity. We have to put aside our differences, both here in KZN and around the country, for the sake of building our nation,” said Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa further said that as an elder statesman, Buthelezi was dignity personified.

“Many will testify that they can still hear his voice permeating through the National Assembly, eloquently exhorting all members of Parliament to uphold the principles and values of our Constitution and democratic order, and to do so with discipline, decorum and respect, not just for each other, but for the people of South Africa,” said Ramaphosa.

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