Durban - Former state president, Jacob Zuma, has heaped praise upon Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who celebrated his 90th birthday on Monday.
Zuma was amongst a number of high ranking officials who made their way to the Prince Mangosuthu regional stadium in Ulundi where celebrations got underway.
Former pres Jacob Zuma speaking at the #Buthelezi90 birthday celebrations in Ulundi pic.twitter.com/61XPeOMo2T
— Bheki Mbanjwa (@Bheki_Mbanjwa) August 27, 2018
Taking to the stage, Zuma called Buthelezi a “hero who would always show respect to both the old and the young".
Zuma said Buthelezi was a teacher who taught him that one can express their views without being disrespectful.
He added that he would not have missed Buthelezi’s 90th birthday celebrations becuase he fully appreciated the contribution made by the political leader.
Zuma says he would not have missed the #Buthelezi90 celebrations because he fully appreaciates Buthelezi's contributions. Zuma says Buthelezi played a big role in fighting white domination and his earlier actions led to him being expelled from Fort Hare University @TheMercurySA
— Bheki Mbanjwa (@Bheki_Mbanjwa) August 27, 2018
Zuma says as Buthelezi turns 90 it is important on all the good he has done @TheMercurySA #Buthelezi90
— Bheki Mbanjwa (@Bheki_Mbanjwa) August 27, 2018
Commenting at his father’s celebrations, Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi said his father never tried to push his children to take up politics.
Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi says his father never tried to channel his children towards politics but just let them be #Buthelezi90 @TheMercury pic.twitter.com/YN8xTVtYd7
— Bheki Mbanjwa (@Bheki_Mbanjwa) August 27, 2018
Listen to Buthelezi's response when the crowd sang the traditional happy birthday song and then asked, "How old are you now?"
Watch as guests sing "Happy birthday Sokalisa, how old are you now?". Wait for his response towards the end of the video #Buthelezi90 @TheMercurySA pic.twitter.com/zi4Ku8lcbH
— Bheki Mbanjwa (@Bheki_Mbanjwa) August 27, 2018