JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA ,NOVEMBER 23: Former Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi at the University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 23, 2019. The lecture was a platform on which Chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng spoke about the critical social issues within South Africa at the moment. (Photo by Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu)
IFP founder Mangosuthu Buthelezi tests positive for COVID-19
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Founder and President Mangosuthu Buthelezi is now self-isolating at home after testing positive for COVID-19.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA ,NOVEMBER 23: Former Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi at the University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 23, 2019. The lecture was a platform on which Chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng spoke about the critical social issues within South Africa at the moment. (Photo by Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu)
Founder and President of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Mangosuthu Buthelezi, 91, has tested positive for COVID-19.
Buthelezi’s family issued a statement on Saturday 8 August saying that he is currently in self-isolation for the mandatory period.
“We, the family of Prince Magosuthu Buthelezi, Founder and President Emeritus of the IFP, Inkosi of the Buthelezi Clan and Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, wish to advise that uMntwana wa KwaPhindangene has tested positive for COVID-19,” it said.
BUTHELEZI COMES INTO CONTACT WITH A COVID-19 POSITIVE CASE
Earlier this week, Buthelezi was informed that he came into contact with a positive case. He thus took the precautionary measure of being tested despite displaying no symptoms.
“At this point, we are pleased to say that he remains asymptomatic and is in good spirits. As a family we have put in place a capable team to keep watch over the situation,” the statement read.
“Please rest assured that we will keep you informed of his progress and will advise when he is back in office. During this period of self-isolation, members of the media are kindly respected to respect our space,” it added.
The Buthelezi family said it is aware that many families have journeyed this road of infection and the overwhelming majority have emerged to full recovery.
“We, therefore, thank you for your prayers as we await a good outcome,” it added.
MINISTERS AND PREMIERS TEST POSITIVE
Before Buthelezi, Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi, Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe and Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, as well as her husband Charles, tested positive for COVID-19.
In terms of premiers, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, Gauteng Premier David Makhura and North West Premier Job Mokgoro tested positive.
While Nxesi and Mantashe were hospitalised, all have since managed to make a miraculous recovery.
