Buthelezi pays moving tribute to his wife Irene
IFP leader Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi yesterday told thousands of mourners gathered at Ulundi Stadium for his wife’s funeral that no man could have asked for more than his spouse of 67 years and prayer warrior.
Princess Irene Buthelezi died on Monday following a long illness and was laid to rest yesterday in Ulundi, northern Kwazulu-natal.
Buthelezi told dignitaries including President Cyril Ramaphosa, Patrice Motsepe, Jeff Radebe, Zweli Mkhize, Thobeka Madiba Zuma and Zanele Mbeki that it wasn’t enough to describe Princess Irene as just his anchor.
“How do I say goodbye to the love of my life? I cannot count the number of times we said goodbye to each other, seven decades are marked by goodbyes. The quick kiss on the cheek as she left to drive the children somewhere and the litany of instructions to rest and eat well and look after myself as I left for an international trip,” a crestfallen Buthelezi said.
The 90-year-old’s moving send-off to his wife solicited emotional reactions from the thousands of mourners there.
“Where is home now that she is gone? I will listen to our favourite music, and close my eyes, and imagine that she is still here and her smile will be in the music,” Buthelezi said.
He highlighted that his wife had been the epitome of a homemaker and could always be found in her kitchen dishing out biscuits and advice in equal measure as she listened intently while her beloved pet dog Tootsie sat perched on her lap.
He said Princess Irene would engage and share long conversations and private jokes with friends and possessed an ability to make people feel special.
“But that was not the whole of her, there was a depth to her that I find hard to express. It was her faith, in the way she turned to the Lord when she was angry, disappointed, surprised, excited or uncertain.
“She shared her life with her Maker, and He in turn blessed her with endless courage, fortitude and wisdom,” Buthelezi said.
Ramaphosa said that even the onset of illness did not rob Princess Irene of her keen love for life and strong spirit. “Over the years I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Princess Irene who was a constant and reassuring presence at the side of her husband Prince Buthelezi.
“Princess Irene was a woman of wisdom, dedication and fortitude,” Ramaphosa said.