Mangosuthu Buthelezi is a prominent South African politician and traditional leader who has played a significant role in the country’s history.
Buthelezi is the founder and former leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a political party that was formed in 1975 to represent the interests of the Zulu people.
He served as the party’s leader for over four decades, from its inception until 2019.
In addition to his political career, Buthelezi is also a traditional leader.
He is the current Inkosi (traditional leader) of the Buthelezi clan, one of the largest and most influential clans in the Zulu nation.
Buthelezi played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
He was a vocal opponent of the apartheid regime and was instrumental in the formation of the United Democratic Front (UDF), a coalition of anti-apartheid organizations that played a key role in the fight against apartheid.
After the end of apartheid, Buthelezi served as the Minister of Home Affairs in the government of national unity from 1994 to 2004.
He also served as the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal from 1994 to 2004.
Throughout his career, Buthelezi has been a controversial figure, with some accusing him of being a divisive figure and others praising him for his leadership and commitment to the Zulu people.
Despite this, he remains a respected and influential figure in South African politics and society.
In 1978, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi revealed why he resisted the Apartheid regime by refusing to limit the IFP to those who spoke IsiZulu or Zulu nation.
Shenge. pic.twitter.com/PzgYZkMt3w
— TK_Nala 📚 (@NalaThokozane) September 4, 2023
Mangosuthu Buthelezi wives
Buthelezi had been married twice in his lifetime. His first wife was Princess Irene Audrey Thandekile Mzila, whom he married in 1952.
They were married for 51 years until her passing in 2003. Together, they had eight children.
After the passing of his first wife, Buthelezi married his second wife, Princess Sibongile Winifred Dlamini, in 2004.
Princess Dlamini is the sister of King Mswati III of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland).
They have been married for almost two decades and have no children together.
It is worth noting that polygamy is legal in South Africa, and some traditional leaders, including Buthelezi, have multiple wives.
However, in Buthelezi’s case, he has only been married twice.
