Letter of condolences on the passing of prince Mangosuthu G Buthelezi

The KwaZulu Natal Christian Council and KZN Church Leaders Group learnt with utter sadness of the passing of the Prince of the Zulu Nation, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. We express our deepest condolences to the Buthelezi family, the Royal family, the Zulu nation, the Anglican Church, the Inkatha Freedom party as well as to the people of South Africa as they grieve the passing-on of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

His passing is a huge loss to the Zulu Kingdom and indeed to South Africa as a nation as Prince Buthelezi played vital roles in uniting the Zulu Nation over the last 5 decades. He was also deeply concerned about the pandemics and social ills like HIV and Aids, violence against women and children, substance abuse, attacks on foreign nationals, political violence, our loss of ubuntu.
Umntwana WakaPhindangene was an icon for the Zulu Nation, the KZN province and in the national political landscape. In 2017 and in 2019 he graciously hosted KwaZulu Natal Christian Council and 30 leaders from overseas, and on 12 April 2023, he hosted 100 church leaders at his Anglican Parish Church in Nkonjeni, Mahlabathini. After prayers and fellowship, he addressed the church leaders for an hour showing his love and care.

He was well known internationally as a fine speaker, and earned himself a place in The Guinness Book of Records for the longest-ever political speech – 400-pages of oratory over several days in t.he KwaZulu Legislature in March 1993. He will be forever in our hearts and minds as a true servant of the Anglican church and of the ecumenical movement in KZN.
In our engagement with Prince Buthelezi, we witnessed his humane character, his spirit of giving and his commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation. As we grieve his passing, we celebrate a life well lived in the service of the Church, of the Royal family, of the Zulu nation and of South Africa.

To his family, the Royal family and entire Zulu Nation, Inkatha Freedom Party, and the South African nation, we say please accept our deepest condolences as we join you in mourning our dear leader. At this moment we find solace in Psalms 46: 1- 2 which reads;
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.

We pray that the Lord grants peace, comfort, and strength to all who are grieving.

The KZN Christian Council and the KZN Church Leaders’ Group are contemplating the following:
• A Pastoral visit and prayers with the Buthelezi Family on Monday 11th September 2023.
• Memorial Service at the Pietermaritzburg Anglican Cathedral before the end of September 2023.

Mntwana wakaPhindangene, Shenge, Sokwalisa lala uphumule. May Prince M Buthelezi rest in eternal peace.

On behalf of KZN Church leader Group and the KZN Christian Council,

Sincerely yours

Cardinal Wilfred Napier Bishop Nkosinathi Myaka
Chairman – KZN Church Leader’s Group Chairman – KwaZulu Natal Christian Council

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