Mangosuthu Buthelezi is 95 years old, as he was born on August 27, 1928. He had a total number of eight children, but sadly, five are dead. Among the ones who are alive are Princess Phumzile Nokuphiwa, Prince Ntuthukoyezwe Zuzifa, and Princess Sibuyiselwe Angela. The deceased are Mabhuku Sinikwakonke, Mandisi Sibukakonke, Lethuxolo Bengitheni, Nelisuzulu Benedict, and Phumaphesheya Gregory.

If a South African high school student was asked to pen down a detailed history of his fatherland, and he fails to make mention of the name Mangosuthu Buthelezi, that history will almost be incomplete. Mangosuthu Buthelezi is a Zulu-born prince who played a major role in fashioning the outcome of events that today South Africans call their history.

During the era of racial segregation in South Africa, Mangosuthu Buthelezi was one of the most prominent black leaders who played a major role in abolishing racial segregation. In the course of his life, he has held over six major leadership positions. After creating Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in 1975, he remained its leader until 2019, when he decided he did not want to be re-elected as the leader anymore.

Summary of Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s Biography

• Full name: Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi
• Nickname: Shenge
• Gender: Male
• Date of birth: August 27, 1928
• Place of birth: Mahlabathini, KwaZulu, South Africa
• Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s Age: 95 Years Old
  
• Ethnicity: Black
• Nationality: South African
• Zodiac Sign: Virgo
• Sexual Orientation: Straight
• Religion: Christianity
• Marital Status: Widowed
• Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s Late Wife: Irene Audrey Thandekile Mzila (died 25 March 2019)
• Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s Children: 8 (5 deceased)
• Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s Parents: Chief Mathole Buthelezi and Princess Magogo kaDinuzulu
• Occupation: Zulu chief
• Famous for: Being the leader of the IFP

Mangosuthu Buthelezi is a Nonagenarian

Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi was born in Mahlabathini, KwaZulu, South Africa, into the Royal family of Chief Mathole Buthelezi and Princess Magogo kaDinuzulu. His mother was the granddaughter of King Cetshwayo. His birth date is recorded as August 27, 1928, which makes him 95 years old – a nonagenarian.

As the firstborn son of Chief Mathole KaDinuzulu, he became the next Zulu chief after his father’s demise. Mangosuthu Buthelezi is a powerful and resilient leader who has held over 6 prominent positions in key political and non-political structures in the space of 32 years. During this time, he recorded his name in about 20 awards.

He Started His Political Journey While He Was Still At The University

Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s interest in politics has been a deep-rooted one. Since his university days, he has been interested in politics – an interest that got him expelled from school when he led a student boycott. He became a student of the University of Fort Hare in 1948, and there he joined the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) but was unable to complete his college education as he got expelled two years later – in 1950. He would later complete his college education at the University of Natal.

However, while at the University of Fort Hare, he met Robert Mugabe and Robert Sobukwe. Being a son of a Royal family gave him the privilege of having a university education because he was born when quality education was not accessible by the blacks.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi Became a Chief at 25

As the first son of Chief Mathole Buthelezi, Mangosuthu Buthelezi was meant to inherit his father’s chieftaincy title when he dies. Sadly, his father passed on in 1953, and he became the Zulu chief. Seventeen years after he became the Zulu chief, at the age of 42, he was appointed the KwaZulu territorial authority leader.

At 48, Mangosuthu Buthelezi became the chief Minister of quasi-independent Bantustan of KwaZulu. During racial segregation in South Africa, the Black Consciousness Movement made Mangosuthu an Apartheid regime collaborator.

He Founded Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) At the Age of 47

Buthelezi, who was already a member of the African National Congress (ANC), founded his own political party called Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in 1975 and had to leave ANC. He left on a good note; however, their good relationship did not last for long.

The members of the Black Consciousness Movement, who made him an Apartheid regime collaborator, soon had resentment towards his political indulgence. But that did not discourage him from engaging in politics, and while at it, he never failed to fight for the rights of black South Africans.

In 1974, Buthelezi Sealed a Racial Peace Agreement in South Africa

Mangosuthu Buthelezi signed the Mahlabatini Declaration of Faith on January 4, 1974. It aimed to eradicate racial segregation and establish equal Rights for both black and white South Africans. This peace agreement was the first of its kind and was accepted by the major traditional rulers in South Africa.