On Wednesday, 13 September, Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Parliament, delivered a farewell speech at the memorial service of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi in ULundi.
Buthelezi, the founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), passed away on Saturday, 9 September, at the age of 95. As expected, Ndlozi’s speech garnered a lot of attention on social media and sparked a heated debate.
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During his speech, Ndlozi referred to himself as Buthelezi’s son and acknowledged the influence that the IFP and its leader had on the EFF. He urged the Buthelezi family and mourners not to be swayed by negativity and ill-informed individuals who were trying to tarnish Buthelezi’s legacy. Ndlozi described Buthelezi as a man of peace, emphasizing that peace is not a language of cowards.
However, Ndlozi’s remarks were met with heavy criticism on social media. Many accused him of being historically delusional and questioned his judgment in praising Buthelezi. Some pointed out that Ndlozi himself is from the Vaal, near Boipatong, where the Boipatong massacre occurred in 1992.
[WATCH] “Never be shaken by the ill-informed ignorant people who are taking platform to say all types of things.”- EFF’s Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi offers a condolence message to #MangosuthuButhelezi‘s family at a memorial service in Ulundi.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/jhbxjI9Wed
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 13, 2023
They argued that it was hypocritical of him to call Buthelezi a man of peace when he had allegedly incited violence that resulted in the deaths of 45 black individuals.
Furthermore, Ndlozi’s controversial PhD thesis, in which he blamed the IFP for the Boipatong massacre, also came under scrutiny. Critics accused him of distorting historical facts and disregarding the complexities of the political situation at the time.
While Ndlozi’s speech may have stirred up controversy, it highlights the ongoing debates and divisions within South African politics. The legacy of figures like Buthelezi is complex, and opinions about their contributions to the struggle against apartheid vary.
It is important to remember that history is not black and white. It is shaped by different perspectives and interpretations. While some may view Buthelezi as a peacebuilder, others may see him as a collaborator with the apartheid regime. Similarly, Ndlozi’s remarks should be understood within the context of his own political beliefs and agenda.
As South Africans continue to grapple with their country’s history and navigate the complexities of the present, it is crucial to engage in respectful and informed dialogue. The debates sparked by Ndlozi’s speech demonstrate the importance of critically examining the narratives and assumptions that shape our understanding of the past.
May the Lord help me to never be as historically delusional as Mbuyiseni Ndlozi! The man stood in front of a crowd and without a flinch called Buthelezi a man of peace! I guess PhD’s don’t cure one’s delusional thinking!
— Nanilethu Mvumvu (@MvumvuNanilethu) September 13, 2023
Ndlozi is from the Vaal, which a few minutes away from Boipatong. Yet, he calls a man who incited violence that caused the massacre that took 45 black lives. Yet Ndlozi calls him a man of peace.
Dishonouring the people from your home town is a huge shame. https://t.co/96fVThDiEg
— Nelisiwe (@NeliMsomi) September 13, 2023
That speech by Ndlozi, sies!!!!
— Kagiso (@kayjah) September 13, 2023
Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s PhD thesis. I give up 🫢🫢🤭 pic.twitter.com/h4xedCNbve
— SITHALE✍🏿 (@SithaleKgaogelo) September 13, 2023
Mondli Makhanya did well by not attending #RIPButhelezi because they were going to give him podium.
Mbuyiseni Ndlozi lost all vaal votes for EFF and didn’t gain kwaphindangene votes. pic.twitter.com/5uIc3Pt5WH
— Thuso™ 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 (@ramalokot) September 14, 2023
Them : What did Ndlozi say at the Memorial Service in KZN
Mina : It’s 2024 Elections , what did you think , he must say about IFP , EFF Coalition in KZN , when he has the attention of IFP Branches and Members
Them : 😢 😭 😪 💔 😫 🤧 😢#MakeKasiPeopleGreat pic.twitter.com/7uGzNinjDA
— Kasi Broadcasting News (@kasibcnews) September 14, 2023
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