In a poignant tribute at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban, Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi thanked Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) and its partners for hosting a commemorative lecture honouring his late father and University Founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Under Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s leadership in the pre-democratic dispensation, Zululand saw more than 6 000 classrooms built, alongside teacher-training and nursing colleges. This also included establishing clinics and the Prince Mshiyeni Hospital, located a few kilometres from Mangosuthu University of Technology, as well as Ithala Bank and industrial development initiatives in Mandeni and Newcastle.
Prince Buthelezi’s commitment to education ultimately gave rise to one of the institutions closest to his heart: Mangosuthu Technikon, now Mangosuthu University of Technology.
Established in 1979 and initially opening with only 15 all-male engineering students, the Institution embodied Prince Buthelezi’s conviction that young black South Africans deserved access to technical and higher education and the opportunity to become engineers, scientists, professionals and leaders.
Reflecting on his father’s enduring legacy, Prince Zuzifa shared intimate details about family life, describing how the renowned leader balanced demanding public roles with his home life. Despite serving as the traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Nation, Chief of the Buthelezi tribe, and leader of Inkatha Freedom Party, alongside numerous other national responsibilities, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi always made time for his eight children: Princess Phumzile Nokuphiwa, Prince Zuzifa Ntuthukoyezwe, Princess Mandisi Sibukakonke, Princess Mabhuku Sinikwakonke, Princess Lethuxolo Bengitheni, Prince Nelisuzulu Benedict, Prince Phumaphesheya Gregory, and Princess Sibuyiselwe Angela.
Highlighting his father’s sharp sense of humour, Prince Zuzifa recalled light-hearted moments when he stood in for his father at official events. “My father would say that he was aware that his speech would be delivered by ‘a second grade,’ referring to me,” Prince Zuzifa remarked to warm laughter from the audience.
Beyond his lifelong commitment to education and public leadership, Prince Buthelezi was deeply passionate about music, a devotion he inherited from his mother, Princess Constance Magogo (1900–1984), a celebrated artist and exponent of traditional Zulu music.