Dr Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi, the uNdunankulu of the Zulu nation, passed away on 9 September 2023. He has been a dear friend of Rev Erlo Stegen and KwaSizabantu Mission since the 1960s. When King Cyprian Bekuzulu passed away in 1968, Prince Buthelezi invited Rev Stegen and his co-workers to the funeral. Since then a bond was formed which has stood for decades.
On 29 June 2023, Prince Buthelezi addressed the KSB Youth Conference of 5000 young people. In December 2022, at the celebration of 70 years of Rev Erlo Stegen’s ministry, Prince Buthelezi was a guest of honour and in a moving speech, paid tribute to what Rev Stegen had meant to him. This was a highlight.
A conference attendee put it this way: Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP, traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu monarch, relayed a heartfelt message of gratitude. He has a special bond with Rev Stegen that spans many years. He was grateful to be blessed with Rev Stegen’s close friendship and acknowledged the impact he has had on his personal life and the Zulu nation which he dearly loves. “The story of Erlo Stegen is an inspiration to millions of Christians all over the world. He is an example of what God can do through a man who is obedient to Him. He has expanded the work of KwaSizabantu to every continent on the globe,” Prince Buthelezi said.
We thank God for Dr Buthelezi and his significant role in the Zulu nation and the country. He embodied the attributes of a true gentleman and espoused the marks of a man committed to lifting the low and needy. He sacrificed himself to make his fellowman great. His deep faith and strong commitment to Christianity and the Church will be missed. He was a true pillar of strength and his passing is a great loss.
