Heroine of the struggle: Condolences pour in after Irene Buthelezi’s death

“She remained strong ... She bore the pain of every arrow fired at her husband for political gain, and she remained kind, gentle and forgiving.”

Princess Irene Audrey Thandekile Buthelezi, wife of Mangosuthu Buthelezi, has been hailed as a heroine of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.

The 87-year-old died this morning, after battling a long illness, in KwaPhindangene in KwaZulu-Natal.

“She leaves behind her husband of almost 67 years, their children Prince Ntuthukoyezwe Zuzifa, Princess Phumzile Nokuphiwa and Princess Sibuyiselwe Angela, and many grandchildren. All are devastated by this loss,” Inkatha Freedom Party national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said this afternoon.

The party, of which Buthelezi is a founding member and the president, commemorated the role that the princess had played for supporting Buthelezi throughout the days of apartheid.

“The IFP owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Princess Irene for supporting Prince Buthelezi as he served South Africa. She remained strong through the most trying times of political upheaval, violence and distress. She bore the pain of every arrow fired at her husband for political gain, and she remained kind, gentle and forgiving,” the IFP’s national executive committee said.

The princess played an instrumental role in women’s rights issues, having participated in the defiance campaign during the 1950s.

“For many years she was an active member of the Women’s Brigade of Inkatha yeNkululeko yeSizwe and actively took part in its political activities. History recalls that she took part in the ANC’s 1950s defiance campaign. The IFP therefore salutes this heroine of our struggle as she exits our stage to join the many heroes and heroines of South Africa’s struggle for liberation,” the IFP said.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane said in a tweet on Monday afternoon that he had spoken to the family and sent his heartfelt prayers.

The BLF, through its national coordinating committee, also expressed its condolences.

The Freedom Front expressed its “heartfelt compassion” at the princess’s passing.

“The FF Plus also wishes to express its heartfelt compassion with the next of kin of Mrs Buthelezi. The party wishes prince Buthelezi, who is 90 years old himself, all the best for the preparations for the upcoming elections that now have to be attended to under such difficult personal circumstances,” the party said.

UDM leader Bantu Holomisa also tweeted his condolences, saying that it “was a long journey for her”.