In remembrance of the late Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has used his platform in the National Assembly to describe Buthelezi as a man of impeccable manners and great compassion.

Buthelezi passed away in September, just two weeks after the celebration of his ninety-fifth birthday.

Steenhuisen said while Buthelezi was a friend of royalty, Presidents and Prime Ministers, he retained a humbleness that made him relatable to the man on the street.

“The Democratic Alliance and its predecessors are proud of our long association with Prince Buthelezi. He enjoyed enduring and endearing friendships with the progressives Ray Swart and Harry Schwartz, a signatory to the Mahlabatini declaration. The warm friendships with leaders like Colin Eglin, Helen Suzman and Tony Leon led to many exchanges of letters and views about the state of the country and the fight for democracy,” said Steenhuisen.

In 1953 Buthelezi became the inkosi of the Buthelezi clan and a year later was installed by King Cyprian Bhekuzulu as the traditional prime minister to the Zulu nation, a role that he continued to fulfil for 69 years until his passing.

Steenhuisen highlighted Buthelezi’s role as chief minister of the KwaZulu-Natal government where he oversaw the building of hospitals and other infrastructure and also secured the funding for the establishment of the Mangosuthu Technikon, which still operates.

“But the largest contribution he made to politics, the country and to this house was the establishment in 1975 of what ultimately would become known as the Inkatha Freedom Party. It was to this cause that he dedicated his life, turning the IFP into a formidable political force in KwaZulu-Natal and a national player in the political arena,” he said.

It was as the leader of the IFP that Buthelezi first took his seat as a member of the National Assembly in 1994. He was appointed as the Minister of Home Affairs in the Government of National Unity, serving under Presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki.

Steenhuisen noted that Buthelezi was also a man of deep faith who drew strongly on his Anglican faith during numerous trials, tribulations and tragedies that characterised his public and private life.

“His faith was a great source of comfort to him during his times of loss when he lost the love of his life, Princess Irene in 2019,” he said.

Steenhuisen remembered that Buthelezi fulfilled the role of an elder statesman.

“When the house would descend into chaos, he would always try to calm the waters, and even as his health started to fail him, he would still participate in sittings, well into his sixth term, with his usual sage advice and wise words,” he reflected.

Steenhuisen extended his deepest condolences to Buthelezi’s family and friends, saying the DA is praying for their comfort and healing.

“To his beloved Inkatha Freedom Party, we extend our sympathies on the passing of your President Emeritus. To the leader and members of the IFP, we hope that you will carry his memory as lodestar into the future that lies ahead. Bulawayo, may you continue to draw wisdom from his many lessons and inspirations,” said Steenhuisen.