THE family of the late AmaZulu Prime Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi has confirmed burial to take place on Saturday.
This is to accommodate State processes due to declaration of official state funeral, as confirmed by President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa today, that Prince Buthelezi will receive Official Category 1 funeral.
Flags will also fly half-mast until evening of the funeral on Saturday.
It has also been confirmed King Misuzulu KaZwelithini, will not attend the burial due to cultural practices.
Cultural experts have explained that Zulu monarchs (and some Nguni kings as well) do not attend funerals, and that people who have been to funerals or anywhere where there is a corpse or a bereavement, have to spend time away, later cleansed before they could meet or come anywhere near the king.
In March 2021 the King, was taken to eSwatini and missed his father’s King Goodwill Zwelithini funeral but his siblings did attend.
Again in the same year, he missed his mother’s Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu burial but only came back to join a memorial service.
According to a Zulu belief, death is bad luck and the king should not be anywhere where there is a bereavement or a grave.
It is for that reason King Misuzulu is not staying at KwaKhangelamankengane palace as the grave of his mother is located within the palace.
His siblings will attend the funeral on Saturday.
Today leaders of various political parties will visit the family to send messages of condolences.
Burial will be attended by head of States from various countries and influential figures.
Image (AmaZulu Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi will now be buried on Saturday. King Misuzulu won’t attend funeral).
