Mourners gather in South Africa for funeral of controversial Zulu prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi
Mourners gathered in South Africa for the funeral of Zulu prince and veteran politician, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who died last week at the age of 90.
The prince was one of the most polarizing figures of post-apartheid South African politics. He was a central figure in the struggle against white minority rule and a later advocate of negotiated solutions and constitutional reform.
He was also an outspoken critic of the African National Congress (ANC) and the governing party of Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki.
His funeral was attended by South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, who paid tribute to the late prince, saying: “There will never be another Mangosuthu Buthelezi…His passing has certainly opened up a great void in the political landscape of our country.”
The burial ceremony included traditional Zulu rites, with mourners dressed in traditional clothing, and the sounds of Zulu song in the air. The funeral was an opportunity for many to celebrate the life and legacy of the late prince.
Buthelezi will be remembered as an enduring symbol of resistance to oppressive rule and a champion of peace and constitutional reform. His death marks the end of an era, and a new dawn for South Africa.