DR. MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI, MP PRESIDENT OF THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY Mangosuthu Buthelezi was born in Mahlabathini, KwaZulu on 27 August 1928 and is the son of Chief Mathole Buthelezi and Princess Magogo ka Dinuzulu, the sister of King Solomon ka Dinuzulu. After completing a university degree at the University of Fort Hare in 1950, Dr. Buthelezi opted for a legal career which was cut short when he inherited the chieftainship of the large Buthelezi tribe in 1953 – a position he still holds today. He is also Undunankulu Ka Zulu. (Traditional Prime Minister)

In 1970, Dr. Buthelezi was asked by the KwaZulu Assembly to accept the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Zulu Territorial Authority, a position to which he was unanimously elected by members of that body, despite having for some time succeeded in delaying the imposition of this structure by the South African Government.

In 1972 he became Chief Executive Councillor to the KwaZulu Legislative Assembly and from 1976 – April 1994 was the Chief Minister of KwaZulu. He is also the President of the Inkatha Freedom Party ever since it was founded as Inkatha in 1975.

In April 1994, Dr. Buthelezi became the Republic of South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs and has been appointed Acting President many times. He is Chairman of the House of Traditional Leaders (KwaZulu Natal).

He has, by invitation, travelled extensively over the years throughout North America, Europe, Britain, Africa, Scandinavia, the Far East and the Middle East. For his contribution to humanity and peace in South Africa, he has been given numerous awards and presentations both internationally and from within South Africa.

Dr. Buthelezi is a strong proponent of African humanism known as Ubuntu because of the value it places on the quality of human life and human relationships.