His health has been fragile for some time and he was admitted to the Richards Bay Hospital last year. IFP founder and Zulu traditional prime minister, Mangosuthu Buthelezi (94) is back in hospital but is not critically ill as some reports have stated. Buthelezi spokesperson Liezl van der Merwe confirmed that he was admitted to a hospital in Eswatini, following prolonged back pain. 

NOT CRITICAL

Prince Mangosuthu has suffered prolonged back pain and was booked in for a routine check-up. Van der Merwe said in a statement that he underwent a small procedure for back pain management and needed medical attention. "Although he was discharged, he, unfortunately, needed to be readmitted for further treatment and recovery," read the statement.

She has asked for his support to allow him some time to recover. "The nation will be kept abreast as and when necessary. A request has been made that well-wishers refrain from visiting, as a speedy recovery depends on rest," she said.