JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA ,NOVEMBER 23: Former Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi at the University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 23, 2019. The lecture was a platform on which Chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng spoke about the critical social issues within South Africa at the moment. (Photo by Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu)
IFP founder Mangosuthu Buthelezi, 91, recovers from COVID-19
Mangosuthu Buthelezi has recovered from COVID-19 just one week before his 92nd birthday.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA ,NOVEMBER 23: Former Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi at the University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 23, 2019. The lecture was a platform on which Chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng spoke about the critical social issues within South Africa at the moment. (Photo by Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu)
Founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Mangosuthu Buthelezi has made a remarkable recovery after testing positive for COVID-19 on 8 August. Even better, Buthelezi is set to celebrate his 92nd birthday in a week’s time.
“We, the family of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi are pleased to confirm that uMntwana wa KwaPhindangene has completed the mandatory period of self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 on 8 August,” his family said in a statement on Thursday 20 August.
‘IN GOOD HEALTH’
Throughout the period of self-isolation, he remained asymptomatic, yet he continued to take every precaution.
“He has today received a negative test result confirming that he is no longer infected. Indeed his full medical tests have provided us with complete assurance that he is in good health,” the statement read.
“We thank the lord almighty for his goodness. We appreciate all those who sent messages of support and particularly those who diligently prayed for uMntwana wa KwaPhindangene. We also wish to thank the media for respecting this time away from his many duties,” it added.
Buthelezi’s family said they hope their experience will encourage many other families who are facing the same daunting journey.
“We were acutely aware throughout this time that his age and the added vulnerability of chronic diabetes placed him at greater risk. The fact that he has come through this unscathed is an encouragement to us all,” it said.
Despite his recovery, the family has urged all South Africans to continue taking every precaution so that the country might win the ongoing battle against COVID-19.
BUTHELEZI COMES INTO CONTACT WITH A POSITIVE CASE
Early in August, Buthelezi was informed that he came into contact with a positive case. He thus took the precautionary measure of being tested despite displaying no symptoms.
His family in a statement said; “At this point, we are pleased to say that he remains asymptomatic and is in good spirits. As a family we have put in place a capable team to keep watch over the situation”.
“Please rest assured that we will keep you informed of his progress and will advise when he is back in office. During this period of self-isolation, members of the media are kindly respected to respect our space,” it added.
The Buthelezi family said it is aware that many families have journeyed this road of infection and the overwhelming majority have emerged to full recovery.
LATEST COVID-19 FIGURES
On Wednesday 19 August Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced that there were 596 060 COVID-19 cases in the country.
While he announced an updated death toll of 12 423, he also said a total of 3 455 671 tests were conducted to date with 25 324 new tests reported.
As of Wednesday, there have been 491 441 recoveries, translating to a recovery rate of 82%.
