President Cyril Ramaphosa has also conveyed his condolences to the Buthelezi family following the passing of Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s wife, princess Irene.
On Wednesday, the ANC leadership in KwaZulu-Natal, led by its chair Sihle Zikalala, visited the Buthelezi home at KwaPhindangene in Mahlabathini.
Princess Irene died on Monday after a long illness.
KwaPhindangeni residence was a hive of activity; the locals and people from afar, the clergy and politicians all came to offer their condolences.
Presiding Officers of Parliament Extend Condolences to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi on the Passing of Princess Irene Buthelezi https://t.co/IfAqK74tvd pic.twitter.com/PDigzzyttf
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) March 27, 2019
Zikalala says that Princess Irene has been a pillar of strength for Prince Buthelezi.
“We are also aware that Princess Buthelezi has been a pillar of strength and support to Prince Buthelezi. We are here to express our condolences and we are saying we are with the family during this time. We believe that this will pass and they will heal and they will continue and Prince Buthelezi will play his role in society.”
Zikalala also conveyed Ramaphosa’s heartfelt condolences.
[VIDEO ? ] On behalf of @KZNGOV we express our deepest condolences to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and his family on the passing of his wife, Princess Irene Buthelezi
Our thought and prayers are with Prince Buthelezi and his family. pic.twitter.com/yKaP3Xg3qW
— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) March 27, 2019
A distraught Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi spoke of the pain he endured during his wife’s last days.
“My wife had seizures and later became mute. It was painful seeing her with seizures and what even made it worse was that there was nothing I could have done to take away the pain.”
Many had full praises for Princess Irene. UDM Secretary-General, Bongani Msomi, says that they know that Prince Buthelezi is what he is because of his late wife.
“We know that Prince Buthelezi is what he is because of this lady who has passed away so we are here now to say what has happened has also happened to others because she has played her part. So we are now asking the family of the Buthelezi let her rest in peace.”
Preparations for her funeral service at the uLundi stadium this Friday are underway.
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