Buthelezi funeral: South Africans mull legacy of divisive Zulu leader

SOUTH AFRICA: Mourners have descended on the town of Ulundi ahead of Saturday’s funeral of veteran South African politician and Zulu chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

He has been granted a state funeral in honour of his contribution to the fight against white-minority rule.

As a mark of respect, the national power firm has also agreed Ulundi will not be subject to the national rolling electricity cuts during the events.

But his death at the age of 95 has opened up a debate about his legacy.

Born into the Zulu royal family, he remained their traditional prime minister until his death. However, it was his role in politics that has split opinions.

He founded the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) after becoming disillusioned with the African National Congress (ANC) in 1975 at the height of apartheid. He opposed the ANC’s stance on armed action and sanctions, arguing that they harmed black South Africans.