Tributes continues to pour in for the Inkatha Freedom Party founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

The news of his passing were confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Buthelezi clan on Saturday morning. Action SA said that they note with sorrow the untimely passing of the amaZulu Traditional Prime Minister Buthelezi. "This is a sad day for our Province as the Prince departed on the day of the much-anticipated Reed Dance. He was the longest-serving AmaZulu Traditional Prime Minister to three successive Zulu kings, dating back to King Cyprian Bhekuzulu, and spearheaded the installation of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini sascension to the throne. Buthelezi was a giant who played an instrumental role in the fight for democracy during the Apartheid regime and served as Minister of Home Affairs from 1994 to 2004. "He led the Zulu political kingdom with unimpeachable distinction, conscience, integrity and high emotional intelligence.We extend our deepest condolences to the Buthelezi Family, the amaZulu Nation, and members of the IFP who have all been bereft by his unfortunate passing. ActionSA's Leadership will be visiting his family to offer our support during this difficult period and will await funeral details so as to be in attendance.Lala ngoxolo, Shenge. Wena owadliwa zindlovukazi zamlobolela," said the party leader Herman Mashaba.

ANC KwaZulu Natal said it was in disbelief that Buthelezi was no more. "The African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal has learned with disbelief the sad departure of the IFP Founder and President Emeritus Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Buthelezi family, the entire Buthelezi Clan and to the Inkatha Freedom Party. The ANC as a caring organization, shares your pain and anguish during this difficult period. "The ANC KZN we appreciated the advancement in his age and the condition of his health, we were still hopeful that he was going to recover and continue to fulfil his important roles in society.He was a distinguished statesman. And more importantly he was a committed Zulu Traditional Prime Minister until his last days.His untimely death is a depletion of matured leadership that shaped KwaZulu-Natal and the country as a whole," the statement said. The ANC KZN said they have mandated the Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and her cabinet to request the President His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa to accord Prince Buthelezi Category 1 Funeral.

The Economic Freedom Fighters said Buthelezi became one of the most notable and influential politicians in South Africa who was able to manage the realms of politics and the Zulu Monarch for decades. "South Africa's history with all its trials and tribulations and contradictions cannot be told without mentioning the role of Buthelezi and the political party he founded and led for 44 years Inkatha Freedom Party," the red berets said

The EFF added that they appreciates that in his final years of political aactivities, he was able to suppress political intolerance KwaZulu Natal which allowed the EFF to campaign freely in the province in its formative stages. "We send our deepest condolences to the Zulu Royal Family, the IFP and hope that the soul of Umntwana waKwaPhindangene rests in eternal peace,".