Durban - IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi's son Prince Ntuthukoyezwe Zuzifa Buthelezi on Friday paid tribute his father's remarkable resilience.
Buthelezi celebrated his 90th birthday with a gala dinner at Durban's ICC.
Guests included former presidents Jacob Zuma and FW de Klerk, former first ladies Graca Machel and Zanele Mbeki, Colonel Panji Kaunda the son of former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda, KZN Premier Willies Mchunu, Minister of Energy Jeff Radebe, Cogta Minister Zweli Mkhize, DA leader Mmusi Maimane, Princess Zenani Dlamini-Mandela and Nicky and Orcillia Oppenheimer.
Entertainment was provided by the KZN philharmonic orchestra and musician Natalie Rungan with renowned author Gcina Mhlophe.
Zuzifa said the family wanted to celebrate his father's legacy while he was alive.
Guests treated to a performance at the birthday celebrations of IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi that took place at the Durban ICC. Video: Kuben Chetty/Politics Hub.
"This is an opportunity for embrace those people who have been part of his life. He is a conservationist and staunch defender of tradition and culture and monarchy," said Zuzifa.
Zuzifa also said his father could be brutally frank.
"What you see on the platform at parliament... he is like that at home.
"He has been a stabilising force in our lives. If I can be a quarter of the man that he is I will say I have done well."