End Of An Era – IFP Founding President Buthelezi Passes Baton After 44 Years At The Helm

Riyaz Patel

Veteran politician Mangosuthu Buthelezi, now 90, has stepped down as leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), after 44 years at the helm.

The IFP is currently holding its elective conference in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, and the long-serving leader used the occasion to reflect on his career, as well as an opportunity to send a message to future leaders.

Buthelezi, who has led the party since its inception in 1975, said the IFP started its transition in 2012 and that this moment “was planned a long time ago.”

He told delegates while giving welcoming remarks at the conference that his stepping down moment was “significant” but “far less sensational than many seem to think.”

Those in attendance in Ulundi said Buthelezi bowing out as IFP leader was an emotional moment.

“It weighs heavily on me that this will be my final speech as IFP President…. but somehow it