Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who died on Saturday at the age of 95, was a figure in the anti-apartheid struggle, an essential politician, a pillar of South African history. This Zulu nationalist had founded the Intakha party to defend the interests of his ethnic group and his king, even if it meant violently opposing the ANC, the former liberation movement that has become the current ruling party. Despite a controversial past, the entire political class has paid tribute to him.
1 min
From our correspondent in Johannesburg, Roman Song
A complex heritage, this is how the career of Mangosuthu Buthelezi is described. His belligerent relationship with the ANC, his uncompromising defense of the Zulu nation…
But with Buthelezi probably disappears the last great figure of the years of struggle against apartheid, according to Mahlengi Benghu-Motsiri, spokesperson for the ANC.
“ His death, she says, closes a very special chapter in our history, both painful and glorious. He was very active in leading the negotiations that made it possible to bring about the democracy we know today. »
Traditional Zulu prime minister from 1968 until his death, Buthelezi had a profound impact on the province of KwaZulu-Natal, which he led when the region was a bantustan.
For Christopher Pappas, young mayor in this province for the Democratic Alliance party, Buthelezi was essential.
“ Prince Buthelezi was a very high profile figure in KwaZulu-Natal, he confides, both politically and culturally. He represented a very important aspect of Zulu culture and tradition, due to his role within the royal family. »
Despite a divisive personality, all South African political parties have honored the memory of Prince Buthelezi, whose longevity inspires respect in them.
Read alsoSouth Africa: death of Mangosuthu Buthelezi, former Zulu chief and leader of the Inkhata party