Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi was a South African politician who served as the traditional prime minister to the Zulu royal family for over six decades. He founded the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in 1975 to champion against racial discrimination. Beyond his political persona, Mangosuthu was a father to eight kids. Who are Buthelezi’s children?

Although Buthelezi had a big family, he was only survived by three of his kids. This is because five of them had already passed under different circumstances before his death in September 2023.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s profile summary and bio

How old was Mangosuthu Buthelezi?

Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi (aged 95 years old at the time of death) was born on 27 August 1928 at Ceza Swedish Missionary Hospital in Mahlabathini, Natal, South Africa.

Buthelezi's mother, the late Princess Magogo kaDinuzulu, was the daughter of former Zulu King Dinuzulu and sister of the incumbent King Solomon kaDinuzulu.

She was the tenth but principal wife (and ultimately one of 40 wives) of Mangosuthu’s father, the late Mathole Buthelezi. Mathole was the chief of the Buthelezi clan.

What qualifications does Mangosuthu Buthelezi have?

The political icon attended Impumalanga Primary School from 1935 to 1943. He then proceeded to Adams College, where he studied from 1944 to 1946. From 1948 to 1950, Gatsha studied at the University of Fort Hare.

Unfortunately, he was expelled from Fort Hare in 1950 for participating in a student riot. Shenge later completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Natal.

As the first son of Chief Mathole, Mangosuthu became the Zulu chief after his father died in 1953. Seventeen years later, at 42, he was appointed the KwaZulu territorial authority leader. His party, IFP, became one of the largest political parties in the country thanks to Gatsha’s popularity.

Mangosuthu lobbied for the release of Nelson Mandela and publicly opposed apartheid. After the 1994 election, Mandela was declared the winner, and Gatsha was appointed the Minister of Home Affairs. Here is a summary of the position he held.

• Chief Executive Officer of the Zulu Territorial Authority (June 1970-March 1972)
• Chief Executive Councillor of the KwaZulu Government (April 1972-January 1977)
• Leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (March 1975-August 2019)
• Chief of the KwaZulu Government (February 1977-April 1994)
• Member of the University of KwaZulu-Natal Foundation and Alumni (Till death)
• Chairman of Traditional Leaders in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature (Till death)

How many wives did Mangosuthu Buthelezi have?

Buthelezi had been married to one woman all his life. He exchanged nuptials with his better half, Irene Audrey Thandekile, on 2 July 1952. They were married for 67 years before her passing in March 2019.

Their union was blessed with eight children: three sons and five daughters. Here is a glimpse into Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s family tree.

1. Phumzile Buthelezi

Phumzile (born in 1953) is the late Gatsha and Irene’s first-born child. She is the mother of Princes Nkosinathi Buthelezi and Bongimpumeleo Khumalo. Sadly, she died in a car accident in 2002. Phumzile is currently the chairperson of the IFP Women’s Brigade.

2. Zuzifa Buthelezi

Zuzifa was born in 1955 and is 68 years old as of 2023. His two children are Prince Zakhithi Buthelezi and Princess Nokuthula Buthelezi.

3. Late Mandisi Sibukakonke Buthelezi

Mandisi’s date of birth remains a mystery; she died of HIV/AIDS in 2004. The late Princess left behind a son, Prince Zamokuhle.

4. Late Mabhuku Snikwakonke Buthelezi

Mabhuku (aged 9 at her death) was born in 1957 and died in 1966 after a car crash.

5. Late Lethuxolo Buthelezi

Lethuxolo (born in 1959) died on 27 July 2008 at 46. She is survived by a daughter, Princess Latoya, a talented musician.

6. Late Nelisuzulu Benedict

Benedict was born on 21 March 1951 and died in April 2004 of HIV/AIDS. Before his death, he had three sons, Princes Sibonelo, Mongezi, and Simingaye Buthelezi.

7. Late Phumaphesheya Buthelezi

Phumaphesheya (aged 49 at his death) was born in 1963 and died on 20 June 2012 from drug-resistant tuberculosis. He left behind three children, Prince Nkululeko and Princesses Sphesihle Buthelezi and Nqobile.

8. Sibuyiselwe Angela Buthelezi

Angela is the last child of Gatsha and Irene. She was born in 1969 and is 54 years old as of 2023. Sibuyiselwe is in a relationship with Nigerian businessman Holstein Ewaen Edayi, with whom she shares a daughter named Princess Ntandoyenkosi Nkeiruka.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s death

On 1 August 2023, the Mangosuthu was reportedly hospitalised due to back problems. He was discharged from the hospital on 2 September 2023 and died on 9 September 2023 at 95.

This article has everything to know about Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s children. After his death, the political icon left three children and twelve grandchildren behind.

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