By Motshwari Mo Mofokeng
KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has called for a statue to be erected in honour of the late Mangosuthu Buthelezi, saying the province must fully recognise his role in South Africa’s liberation history.
Speaking at the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Municipal Excellence Awards in Durban, the MEC urged the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality to ensure the legacy of the Inkatha Freedom Party founder is properly honoured alongside other struggle icons.
The call follows the recent unveiling of two nine-metre bronze statues of former presidents Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the OR Tambo Parade in the North Beach precinct near Moses Mabhida Stadium.
However, the statues — which reportedly cost R11 million each — have drawn criticism from civic organisations and political parties who argue the city faces more urgent service delivery challenges, including water shortages and uncollected refuse.
Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the country’s liberation narrative would be incomplete without recognising Prince Buthelezi’s role. He described the late leader as a key figure who kept the voice of the oppressed alive in South Africa while other leaders were either imprisoned or in exile.
He said honouring him would ensure a more inclusive and balanced historical record.
