Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) Founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has built a lifelong legacy of working for the good of the people. As part of commemorating his 94th birthday, Prince Buthelezi received a gift that will advance his true calling – working to advance his people.
The gift came in the form of the launch of the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Foundation on 1 September 2022 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban. Led by the witty convenor, Songezo Mabece, the event was filled with song and praise, not least for Prince Buthelezi himself.
In response, Prince Buthelezi appealed to political parties to take the road of peace and progress. He said he was grateful and honoured that people saw fit to capture and channel the principles of his life’s work through the Foundation, a much-needed mechanism for his legacy to be perpetuated. The Foundation will pursue its mission of social justice and economic freedom. It will reach out to like-minded individuals to synergise and boost one another, to change the lives of a few, to make a difference, and to work for good, said Prince Buthelezi.
Guests also got the opportunity to meet the appointed trustees of the newly launched Foundation. Chairperson of the Board of Trustees is Velenkosini Hlabisa, President of the IFP, who shared the vision and mission of the Foundation.
The launch also introduced guests to the Buthelezi Digital Archiving Project, along with the screening of a video documentary of Prince Buthelezi’s life and legacy.
Many messages of goodwill were expressed, These included one from the Dalai Lama, which was read by his representative, Ngodup Dorjee, and the Taiwanese Ambassador, Anthony Ho. Dignitaries and speakers included the KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Bongi Sithole-Moloi, who acknowledged the Prince’s role in the transformative history of SA.
Dr Connie Israel, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at MUT, who attended the event on behalf of MUT, wrote a congratulatory message commemorating the Prince and the Foundation. She thanked him for his intrinsic role in the founding of MUT and the continued support he gives the institution.
The still-to-be-established offices of the Foundation will be on Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Durban, although events will be hosted nationally (and beyond).