IFP founder and Zulu nation prime minister Prince Managosuthu Buthelezi, who died on yesterday at the age of 95, will receive an official funeral.

This was announced by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, who was part of the KZN cabinet delegation that paid a visit to Buthelezi’s home in Mahlabathini in Ulundi on yesterday morning.

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Dube-Ncube, appealed to the public to give the Buthelezi family ‘space to grieve’, and said the provincial government has been in contact with the Presidency.

“We can confirm that he will receive an official funeral but at this stage, we don’t know what category it would be,” she said.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube arriving KwaPhindangene, in Nkonjeni uLundi, to lead the Executive Council in paying respects to the family of IFP leader and Traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu nation Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. #MangosuthuButhelezi pic.twitter.com/YTx28xXRMo

— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) September 9, 2023

She said the provincial government has set up a team led by its Director General Nonhlahla Mkhize, who will ensure there is communication between the Buthelezi family and them.

“We will ensure that the Buthelezi family receives all the necessary assistance it requires from the provincial government,” she said.

Buthelezi’s death coincided with Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s hosting of the uMkhosi Womhlanga (Reed Dance festival) at the eNyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma on Saturday.

While the festival went ahead yesterday, the usually jovial mood at the event was dampened by news of Buthelezi’s passing.

An advocate of the uMkhosi Womhlanga festival, Buthelezi had attended previous Reed Dance events.

During his speech yesterday King Zwelithini cancelled the second leg of the uMkhosi woMhlanga as a show of respect to Buthelezi.