Durban - Hundreds of dignitaries gathered at the Durban Exhibition Center for a thanksgiving service to honour IFP leader Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who is celebrating his 90th birthday this month.
Sunday morning's event will be followed by the actual birthday on August 27 at the Ulundi Stadium.
The third event, which will be prestigious, will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) on August 31.
The thanksgiving event on Sunday morning was a formal church service characterised by prayers and hymns and was conducted by archbishops.
Dignitaries present included King Goodwill Zwelithini, MEC for Arts and Culture Bongi Sithole-Moloi, representing Premier Willies Mchunu, and provincial deputy speaker Mishack Radebe..
Leaders of Muslim and Hindus faiths as well as IFP veterans such as former premier Frank Mdlalose were also in attendance.
IFP MP Narend Singh said only invited guests would attend the ICC event.
He couldn't confirm who among international dignitaries had been invited.
"We are still finalising the list of guests. We will only know during the week. But the Ulundi celebration on the 27th will be open to everyone," he said.