Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi ‘in high spirits’ after hospital admission

The family of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi says he is doing well, despite being admitted to hospital recently.

The IFP confirmed via a statement from the family that the 93-year-old political leader was hospitalised for routine blood tests and some much-needed rest.

“It has somehow reached the ears of the media that Prince Buthelezi is currently in hospital. This is true. However, he is simply undergoing medical tests as he experienced high blood pressure on Monday night and subsequently felt unwell,” family spokesperson Bhekuyise Buthelezi said.

Prince Mangosuthu has had some health challenges in the past – in 2020, he tested positive for COVID-19 twice, but managed to make a full recovery.

“As there is no further information to convey. The family requests that enquiries please cease at this point. Should there be anything further to report once Prince Buthelezi returns home, we will issue another statement”

Family spokesperson Bhekuyise Buthelezi

MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI NOT RETIRING JUST YET

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s hospitalisation has once again prompted questions as to when he actually intends to retire from politics, but the family says he is staying put.

Prince Buthelezi has previously said he would only retire as an MP once the expropriation of land without compensation matter has been settled in Parliament, but we all know the recent setback it experienced in the National Assembly.

 “I have no reason to want to continue because I’ve even relinquished my position as the leader of my party. Even in Parliament, I’m just waiting for the passing of the law on land expropriation,” he said.

Prince Mangosuthu stepped down as the leader of the IFP in 2019, after being at the helm for 44 years, but he remains an active member of Parliament. He is also a Traditional Prime Minister for the Zulu Royal Household and played a critical role for the monarch over the past two years, since the deaths of King Goodwill Zwelithini, his wife Queen Regent Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu and their son Prince MisuZulu’s rise to the throne.

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