Johnathan Paoli
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral, Category 1, in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal.
The Prince of KaPhindangene served as Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and was the Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party as well as the first Minister of Home Affairs in the democratic dispensation.
Buthelezi passed away on Saturday morning, after recently celebrating his 95th birthday.
The State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy of government accords Special Official Funerals, Category 1, to persons of extraordinary credentials specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa, usually for Serving Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Chairperson of the NCOP, Premiers of Provinces, among others.
The Presidency said that the funeral will entail elements of military honours as well the presidential direction that flags be flown at half mast at flag stations around the country from Tuesday until the evening of the funeral.
This follows recent fierce debate surrounding the IFP founder’s legacy, with some praising his contributions to unity and democracy, while others highlighted his involvement in crimes against humanity as well as participation in the troubles of the early 1990s should never be forgotten.
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