Political tensions rise in eThekwini as the proposal to erect a statue of the late Prince Buthelezi alongside Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo faces backlash from the ANC.
Image: DOCTOR NGCOBO / Independent Newspapers
The proposal by KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, to erect a statue in honour of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi alongside those of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo in Durban has triggered mixed reactions.
The MEC’s motivation for the monument, which he made known last week, was that Buthelezi — founder and former leader of the IFP — was an iconic figure who should also be celebrated.
That proposal was firmly rejected by the ANC in eThekwini.
The DA’s eThekwini caucus spokesperson, Thabani Ndlovu, said the debate was yet another example of how both the ANC and IFP continue to prioritise political point-scoring over the urgent needs of residents.
Ndlovu stated that while parties argued over whether Mangosuthu Buthelezi should be recognised alongside figures such as Mandela and Tambo, the reality on the ground was that service delivery in eThekwini was collapsing.
“At a time when communities are facing ongoing water shortages, failing infrastructure, and deteriorating basic services, it is deeply concerning that the governing parties are focused on symbolic battles instead of real solutions.
“The DA believes that any available resources should be directed towards improving the lives of residents. The people of eThekwini are demanding reliable services, not statues,” said Ndlovu.
Political analyst Professor Siphamandla Zondi noted that there was a faction within the ANC that had not moved on from the battles between Inkatha and the UDF in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Zondi said this was understandable, as both hurt and resentment can take root over time, preventing the logic of reconciliation and nation-building.
“Buthelezi is a major figure in KZN life and politics. If he could be in Nelson Mandela’s Cabinet, why would he not be next to him after death?
“The ANC needs to be careful not to act in a manner that keeps wounds open and fosters disunity. It loses nothing by being more magnanimous,” Zondi said.
He questioned why the ANC would undermine its Government of Provincial Unity relationship with what he described as a stubborn stance, adding that it did not make sense.
MEC Buthelezi, who is also a senior IFP member, argued that South African history without the IFP founder is incomplete, as Mangosuthu Buthelezi kept the freedom struggle alive while the ANC was banned.
The ANC disagreed, stating that “comparing Buthelezi to liberation icons such as Tambo and Mandela would be a distortion of the history of the country”.
In a statement released by the ANC’s leadership in the eThekwini region, the party said that while Buthelezi is respected as an elder statesman, particularly in the post-democratic era, “it would be dishonest to elevate him to the level of a liberation struggle hero”.
“The truth remains, regardless of time and space, and his turbulent and conflicted history is there for all to reflect upon.
“Therefore, we reiterate our support for the decision taken by the eThekwini Municipality to honour the genuine heroes of the struggle for emancipation and liberation in South Africa. It is both appropriate and necessary that the democratic state continues to honour those whose contributions to the liberation of our people are beyond dispute,” read the statement.
Mdu Nkosi, the leader of the IFP in eThekwini, defended Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s legacy, rejecting claims that the late leader lacked credentials as a struggle hero.
Nkosi said suggestions that Buthelezi was not involved in the anti-apartheid fight ignored historical facts.
He said senior ANC leaders, including Tambo, had previously sought Buthelezi’s assistance in addressing critical political matters and mobilising the masses, which he said underscored his role in the struggle.
Nkosi also recalled that Buthelezi was actively involved in the “Release Mandela” campaign and maintained communication with Mandela during his imprisonment.
The statue of Nelson Mandela outside Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium
Image: Thuli Dlamini
He said Buthelezi commanded respect within the anti-apartheid movement and was the first leader Mandela requested to meet after his release from prison.
“That’s because Mandela knew the role of Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
“If Shenge (Buthelezi’s praise name) was not part of the liberation, then who made this province better? It was Prince Buthelezi,” Nkosi said, citing contributions including the building of schools, colleges, and financial institutions such as Ithala Bank.
Nkosi said he could not understand the anti-Buthelezi sentiment, adding that his legacy remains a crucial component of South Africa’s journey to democracy.
Prior to his death in 2023, Buthelezi had called for unity talks with the ANC and sought the renewal of his ANC membership, arguing that he had never formally resigned.
He also contended that the IFP was an ANC project, stating that he had been directed by Tambo and Kenneth Kaunda to establish the party and continue the liberation struggle inside the country after the ANC was banned in April 1960.
DAILY NEWS
The statue of the late ANC President Oliver Reginald Tambo along Africa’s longest promenade in Durban was unveiled on Tuesday amid public outcry over the multimillion-rand project. Residents’ associations have voiced concerns about spending priorities in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, the province’s only metropolitan municipality.
Image: THULI DLAMINI