Narend Singh
On behalf of the Chairperson of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Caucus, Inkosi Russel Cebekhulu MP, the Whippery, all Honourable Members of the IFP Caucus, and members of our support staff, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Buthelezi family on the passing of our Founder, Leader in Parliament, and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party.
Words cannot express our loss.
His Excellency, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, led a life of selfless service to South Africa in his capacity as the Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, as well the Founder, President Emeritus and Leader of the IFP.
In Parliament, Prince Buthelezi was always a voice of reason. He was politically astute beyond measure and an all-round leader, par excellence. He will be remembered for his unwavering definiteness of purpose in building a democratic and free South Africa.
His leadership, guidance, and occasional stern admonition when taking principled ‘points of order’ at times when the National Assembly descended into chaos, were admired by South Africa at large.
His kindness to all, and the fondness and love he had for his IFP Members of Caucus and IFP support staff in Parliament, as well as to all office bearers and staff of Parliament was greatly admired.
We grieve collectively beyond words, for a loss that is immeasurable. However, in honour of Prince Buthelezi’s extraordinary life and legacy, we pledge ourselves to continue in his footsteps and fulfil the vision he held for a unified, peaceful, free, and prosperous South Africa.
May his soul rest in eternal and everlasting peace.
Narend Singh is the IFP Chief Whip in Parliament.
