Tributes pour in for Princess Sibuyiselwe

Tributes continue to pour in following the passing of Princess Sibuyiselwe Angela Buthelezi, the youngest daughter of the late Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

Princess Sibuyiselwe died on Monday morning at a hospital in Cape Town.

Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi, Inkosi of the Buthelezi clan, confirmed the tragic news.

“In the early hours of Monday morning, the Buthelezi family received the devastating news of the untimely passing of Her Royal Highness, Princess Sibuyiselwe Angela Buthelezi. It is with deep pain that we share this loss with the nation,” he said.

“Princess Angela, the youngest child of the late uMntwana waKwaPhindangene, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and the late undlunkulu Princess Irene, departed this world unexpectedly, having been admitted to hospital a week ago.”

Reflecting on the family's grief, Prince Zuzifa added, "Together with my older sister, Princess Phumzile Buthelezi, Princess Angela and I were the last remaining children of uMntwana waKwaPhindangene, among eight siblings. The loss of Princess Angela, just a year after the passing of our father, is a terrible shock. While her health had been fragile for several years, we did not expect this sudden loss."

At the time of her death, Princess Sibuyiselwe Angela Buthelezi was serving as an IFP Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, a role she held with deep dedication. The date of her funeral is yet to be announced.

Political leaders and dignitaries from across the nation have expressed their condolences.

DA KwaZulu-Natal provincial leader Francois Rodgers remembered the princess as someone who deeply cared about the well-being of the country.

ActionSA provincial leader Zwakele Mncwango paid tribute to her “selfless work and contributions to our nation,” adding, “Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”

IFP leader President Velenkosini Hlabisa described the news as “devastating”.

“Our party is utterly heartbroken by this loss. She loved the IFP and served our nation with dedication as a member of our national council and as a Member of Parliament. Our deepest condolences go out to the Buthelezi family.”

The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), founded by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, also joined in paying tribute.

“It is with deep sorrow that we at MUT have learned of the passing of Her Royal Highness, Princess Sibuyiselwe Angela Buthelezi, beloved daughter of our esteemed founder,” the university said in a statement.

“As the youngest child of Prince Buthelezi and the late Princess Irene, Princess Sibuyiselwe held a special place in her father’s heart. Her joyful spirit will be fondly remembered by the university community.”

MUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, expressed the university's grief.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Princess Sibuyiselwe Angela Buthelezi. The Buthelezi family holds a place of great honour at our institution, and their enduring connection to MUT remains a source of pride for us. We share in their loss and offer our sincere prayers for strength and comfort during this challenging time. May Princess Sibuyiselwe’s soul rest in eternal peace.”

In light of the princess's passing, MUT has postponed a public lecture that was to celebrate the legacy of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. A new date will be announced in due course.