# Mangosuthu Buthelezi

> South African politician (1928-2023)

**Wikidata**: [Q554131](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q554131)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangosuthu_Buthelezi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mangosuthu-buthelezi

## Summary
Mangosuthu Buthelezi (1928–2023) was a prominent South African politician and traditional leader who served as a minister and held significant civil public office. He is best known for his long-standing political career in South Africa, his role as a traditional leader, and for having the Mangosuthu University of Technology named in his honor.

## Biography
- **Born:** August 27, 1928 (also recorded as January 1, 1928 in some identifiers)
- **Nationality:** South African (Citizenship: Q258)
- **Education:** Educated at the University of Fort Hare, the University of Natal, and Mangosuthu University of Technology.
- **Known for:** Serving as a politician, minister, and traditional leader; his leadership in South African politics.
- **Employer(s):** Held positions as a minister and politician; affiliated with the Mangosuthu University of Technology (as the namesake) and the University of Fort Hare (as an alumnus).
- **Field(s):** Politics, Traditional Leadership, Public Administration.

## Contributions
Mangosuthu Buthelezi's primary contributions were in the realm of South African governance and political leadership.
- **Political Leadership:** He served as a minister and held significant civil public office within the South African government, contributing to the nation's political landscape during a transformative era.
- **Institutional Legacy:** His name was bestowed upon the Mangosuthu University of Technology (founded in 1979) in Durban, South Africa, creating a lasting educational institution focused on technology and engineering.
- **Traditional Leadership:** He served as a traditional leader, bridging the gap between indigenous governance structures and the modern state.
- **Recognition:** He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Cape Town, recognizing his contributions to the nation.

## FAQs
**Who was Mangosuthu Buthelezi?**
Mangosuthu Buthelezi was a South African politician and traditional leader who lived from 1928 to 2023. He held significant government positions, including serving as a minister, and was a key figure in the country's political history.

**What institutions are named after or associated with Mangosuthu Buthelezi?**
The Mangosuthu University of Technology in Durban is named after him, having been established in 1979. He was also educated at the University of Fort Hare and the University of Natal, and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Cape Town.

**When did Mangosuthu Buthelezi live?**
He was born in 1928 (specifically August 27, with some records noting January 1) and passed away on September 9, 2023.

**What was Mangosuthu Buthelezi's role in government?**
He served as a politician and a minister, holding significant civil public office in the national or regional government of South Africa.

**What awards did Mangosuthu Buthelezi receive?**
He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Cape Town and was recognized with various identifiers and awards throughout his career, including the Q50845586 award reference.

## Why They Matter
Mangosuthu Buthelezi mattered because he was a central figure in South African politics during a critical period of the nation's history, serving as a minister and traditional leader. His influence extended beyond immediate governance to the creation of a lasting educational legacy through the Mangosuthu University of Technology, which continues to provide technical education in Durban. His life and work bridged traditional Zulu leadership with modern political structures, influencing the trajectory of South Africa's transition and development. Without his leadership, the political landscape and the specific educational opportunities provided by the university named in his honor would have been significantly different.

## Notable For
- Serving as a South African politician and minister from 1928 to 2023.
- Being the namesake of the Mangosuthu University of Technology, established in 1979.
- Receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Cape Town.
- Holding the title of traditional leader alongside his political career.
- Being educated at the University of Fort Hare and the University of Natal.
- Having a Wikipedia sitelink count of 31, indicating significant global documentation.
- Being identified by numerous persistent identifiers including ISNI, VIAF, and GND.
- Passing away on September 9, 2023, ending a life of nearly a century of public service.

## Body

### Early Life and Identity
Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi, also known by the alias "Shenge," was a South African citizen born in 1928. While his primary birth date is recorded as August 27, 1928, some identifiers also reference January 1, 1928. He was a member of the human species and held South African citizenship throughout his life. His full name, Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi, is recognized across multiple languages and databases, with aliases including "Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi."

### Education and Academic Affiliations
Buthelezi's academic journey included attendance at several major South African institutions. He was educated at the University of Fort Hare, a historic public university located in Alice, Eastern Cape, which was founded in 1916. He also attended the University of Natal, a public university that operated from 1910 until its merger in 2004 to form the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His connection to higher education was further solidified when the Mangosuthu University of Technology, established in 1979 in Durban, was named in his honor. This university, which focuses on technology and engineering, stands as a testament to his legacy in the educational sector. Additionally, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Cape Town.

### Political Career and Public Office
As a politician and minister, Mangosuthu Buthelezi held significant civil public office within the South African government. His career spanned decades, during which he served as a key political figure. He was an instance of a politician and a minister, roles that placed him at the forefront of national and regional governance. His political activities were documented in various parliamentary records, including details available on the South African Parliament website and the Parliament of Africa website. He was a member of the political class that shaped the country's direction during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

### Traditional Leadership
Beyond his political titles, Buthelezi was a traditional leader. This dual role allowed him to influence both the modern state apparatus and traditional community structures. His leadership in this capacity was recognized nationally and internationally, contributing to his status as a prominent figure in South African society. The title "Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi" reflects this enduring role in traditional governance.

### Legacy and Recognition
Mangosuthu Buthelezi's life and work have been extensively documented. He is the subject of a Wikipedia article with 31 sitelinks across various languages. His identity is preserved through numerous persistent identifiers, including ISNI (0000000385980492), VIAF (245905918), GND (118518089), and Library of Congress authority numbers (n80013008). He was also recognized with an honorary doctorate from the University of Cape Town. His passing on September 9, 2023, marked the end of a long and influential life.

### Institutional Connections
His legacy is physically embodied in the Mangosuthu University of Technology in Durban, which was established in 1979 and named after him. This institution continues to serve students in the fields of technology and engineering. His educational roots at the University of Fort Hare and the University of Natal further connect him to the history of higher education in South Africa. The University of Fort Hare, founded in 1916, and the University of Natal, which operated until 2004, are key parts of his academic biography.

### Death and Final Years
Mangosuthu Buthelezi died on September 9, 2023. His death concluded a life that began in 1928, spanning nearly a century of political, traditional, and social engagement in South Africa. His passing was noted in various biographical databases and news outlets, marking the end of an era for a significant political figure.

### Digital and Media Presence
His life and work are cataloged in numerous digital repositories. He has a dedicated Wikipedia page and is referenced in the Global African History database. Audio recordings of his name pronunciation are available, and his image from 1983 is archived. He is also listed in various international authority files, ensuring his historical record remains accessible for future research.

## References

1. [Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi - Timeline](https://www.ifp.org.za/prince-mangosuthu-buthelezi-timeline/)
2. [Buthelezi to be laid to rest on Friday - eNCA. 2023](https://www.enca.com/news/buthelezi-be-laid-rest-friday)
3. BnF authorities
4. Dictionary of African Biography
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa
7. [Source](https://www.parliament.gov.za/person-details/704)
8. [Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi](https://www.pa.org.za/person/mangosuthu-gatsha-buthelezi/)
9. [Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi](http://www.pa.org.za/person/mangosuthu-gatsha-buthelezi/)
10. SNAC
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. Digital Library for Dutch Literature
13. National Library of Portugal
14. MAK
15. [IFP founder Mangosuthu Buthelezi has died. 2023](https://mg.co.za/news/2023-09-09-ifp-founder-mangosuthu-buthelezi-has-died/)
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Virtual International Authority File
18. [Davos 1992: The Mandela moment](https://ewn.co.za/2014/01/14/Davos-1992-The-Mandela-moment)
19. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb12035283b)
20. BBC Things
21. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File