Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s grave declared a provincial heritage site

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s grave declared a provincial heritage site

Zuko Komisa

• The grave of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been officially designated as a provincial heritage site by the KwaZulu-Natal government, honouring his role as a pivotal figure in South African history.
• The announcement, made at his KwaPhindangene palace, recognises Buthelezi’s extensive legacy as the Zulu nation’s longest-serving traditional prime minister and the founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party.
• This new status aims to preserve his memory, turning the site into a key destination for historical research and a major attraction for tourists interested in Zulu history and culture.

The final resting place of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the revered former traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation, has been formally designated a provincial heritage site.

The declaration ceremony took place on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, at his KwaPhindangene palace near Ulundi and was overseen by KwaZulu-Natal’s premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli.

Buthelezi, who died in September 2024 at the age of 95, was a towering figure in both traditional and modern South African politics.

Born to Princess Magogo Zulu and Inkosi Mathole Buthelezi, he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving traditional prime minister in the Zulu nation’s history, a role he first assumed in 1954 under King Bhekuzulu.

He continued to serve under King Goodwill Zwelithini and his successor, King Misuzulu, until his death.

During the apartheid era, Buthelezi founded the Inkatha Movement to mobilise politically when other parties were banned. This later evolved into the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), which he led for 44 years.

Speaking at the unveiling, Buthelezi’s successor and son, Inkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi, paid tribute to his father’s ability to seamlessly blend modern politics with traditional leadership. He recalled how his father refused to leave parliament, insisting his presence was necessary to protect the Ingonyama Trust, which holds tribal land.

The Amafa and Research Institute of KwaZulu-Natal has stated that the site will now become a key point for historical study and will be added to the province’s tourism attractions. It will join other notable sites, such as the graves of King Shaka and King Cetshwayo, as part of the Zululand heritage route.

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