Durban — The Zulu nation’s traditional prime minister and IFP founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been admitted to a hospital in Richards Bay.
However, his spokesperson Liezl van der Merwe insists that the IFP leader in Parliament is in good health and is in hospital for his routine check-up.
“Yes, he is undergoing a scheduled routine check-up,” Van der Merwe said.
Buthelezi will be celebrating his 94th birthday on August 27.
Despite his age and fragile health, he led the party he founded during the local government elections last year, which many questioned as there was new leadership with Velenkosini Hlabisa as president.
However, voters reacted positively and supported the party.
Buthelezi stepped down as party leader in 2019 but retained his position as party leader in Parliament.
Although his spokesperson said it was a normal check-up, it is not clear whether Buthelezi will be able to attend King Misuzulu’s entering of the kraal ritual which is due to be held at the end of the month.
Buthelezi is also expected to play a pivotal role in King Misuzulu’s coronation, which is expected to take place at the end of the month or early next month.
In 2021 the public panicked when uMntwana wakwaPhindangene tested positive for Covid-19 and just a few months ago he was admitted to hospital with high blood pressure.
Dr Bhekuyise Ngqengelele Buthelezi, spokesperson for the family, told the media in February after Buthelezi was discharged from the hospital, that he had been given a clean bill of health.
“We are pleased to report that, following a brief period of recuperation and testing, uMntwana wakwaPhindangene has been given a clean bill of health and was discharged from hospital,” said Dr Buthelezi.
Daily News