IN PICS | Tourism memorial planned to honour late IFP founder on 100th birthday

The IFP is hoping to commemorate its founder’s centenary birthday by creating a memorial similar to the one in honour of late US civil rights movement leader Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

This is the vision of IFP leaders who spoke at an event on Thursday to honour Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi on his birthday in KwaPhindangene in Ulundi, northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Now his party and cultural heritage bodies are hoping to honour the late political leader with a memorial site similar to the one in Washington with a statue and large park for tourists.

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Day is being commemorated at the KwaPhindangene Residence in Mahlabathini, Ulundi, honouring the life, legacy and contribution of the late traditional leader, statesman and political leader on what would have been his birthday. @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/IFtXO3Bk1i

The project seeks to preserve and promote Buthelezi’s legacy for future generations, while recognising his contribution to the province’s history, cultural heritage and public life.

KZN premier Thami Ntuli defended the decision to support the commemoration of Buthelezi’s birthday celebrations using taxpayers’ money.

Ntuli said some short-minded people are questioning why the provincial government supported the event to honour the life and legacy of Buthelezi.

“We are not ashamed that we have supported the life and legacy of Buthelezi because of the contribution and sacrifices he made for the country,” he said.

Ntuli said Buthelezi was not just the leader of the IFP but a national figure. He vowed that they would continue to support initiatives to respect Buthelezi.

Ntuli also announced that the provincial government would this year start processes to turn the grave of the late Zulu king Zwelithini and his wife Queen Mantfombi Dlamini into heritage sites.

He said they were planning a major event for Buthelezi’s 100th birthday celebration in 2028.

Speaking on behalf of the Buthelezi clan, Inkosi Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi said the birthday celebrations for his father are a mix of sorrow and joy for the family.

He said Buthelezi died at a time when he was trying to diffuse tensions in the Zulu royal family over the throne.

Buthelezi said it is their duty to make sure there is stability in the Zulu royal household.