Advertisement

Catholic Bishops Eulogize South African Politician, Zulu Prince as a “committed Christian”

Logo of the Southern Africa Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC). Credit: SACBC
Jude Atemanke

By Jude Atemanke

Johannesburg, 11 September, 2023 / 8:15 pm (ACI Africa).

Members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) have eulogized the late South African politician and Zulu Prince, Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi as a “committed Christian.”

The founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party who served in the post-apartheid government as Minister of Home Affairs died on September 8 at the age of 95, Reuters reported.

In a message shared with ACI Africa Monday, September 11, the spokesperson of SACBC says that members of the three-nation Conference were “saddened to hear of the passing of Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi.”

“Prince Buthelezi was the founder of the Inkatha Freedom party and a long-time traditional prime minister to the Zulu Royal Family,” Archbishop Stephen Brislin says on behalf of the Catholic Bishops in Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa.

Archbishop Brislin adds, “Although he was often involved in controversies and many political tensions, he was a devoted father, a committed Christian, and a practicing member of the Anglican Church.”

Advertisement

“He played an influential role in the politics of South Africa,” the Archbishop of Cape Town in South Africa who was among the three Africans named Cardinals on July 9 says.

He continues, “We hope and pray that this time of his death will not be used to increase tension in Kwazulu Natal.”

“We appeal to leaders and all citizens to work for peace, healing and reconciliation in the province and the country,” the SACBC spokesperson further says, adding, “We wish to offer our deepest condolences to the Buthelezi family, the Zulu people, to the Inkatha Freedom Party and to all those who mourn his loss,” 

Archbishop Brislin implores, “May he and all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.”

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

Trending

You may also like

The Vatican and Microsoft have created a 3D digital model of St. Peter’s Basilica using the latest in artificial intelligence to offer a new way to experience the nearly 2,000-year history of the tomb of St. Peter. / Credit: Microsoft La Basilica Di San Pietro: AI-Enhanced Experience

Discover the History of St. Peter’s Basilica in New Microsoft Oline AI-enhanced 3D Model

Accessible worldwide at virtual.basilicasanpietro.va, the free interactive platform allows anyone in the world to “visit” the virtual 3D model of...

An external view of the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem during the procession of the Franciscan friars after the first vespers of the Ascension solemnity on May 8, 2024. The procession circled the chapel three times. / Credit: Marinella Bandini

Catholics Ascend to Mount Olives, Site of Jesus’ Ascension, Only Day They Can Use Chapel Currently Under Muslim Control

“I’m excited to have come to pray in the actual place of the Ascension... I want to be closer to...

Pope Francis arriving at the meeting with bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, seminarians and catechists in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Sept. 10, 2024. / Vatican Media

Catholics in East Timor Welcome Pope Francis to their Island "oasis" of Religious Vocations

Speaking in Dili's cathedral, Pope Francis challenged East Timor's Catholic leaders to renew evangelization efforts, declaring that the nation's position...