Message Of Condolences By
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP
Inkosi Of The Buthelezi Clan And
President Of The Inkatha Freedom Party
Kwaswayimane: 18 October 2015
When we received news of the terrible accident that claimed the life of Inkosi Gcumisa, it was difficult to believe this could be true. How could it be that a leader in this community, a husband, beloved father, and respected friend could be taken so swiftly, without warning?
Often when death is unexpected people say they wish they knew it was going to happen, so that they would have time to say goodbye. We are left to do that at funerals, bidding farewell to our loved ones when they have already crossed into eternity. But I wonder, if we knew the time and manner of our passing, would we know how to live outside of this shadow?
As painful as it is, death reminds us of the value of life, and the importance of living in a way that defies the briefness of our time on earth. That is done as we build a legacy, when we have children, and when we sow into a future we ourselves will not see. Inkosi Gcumisa did all these things. He defied the briefness of his time on earth.
The evidence of his life is seen in his children, to whom we extend our support. The evidence of his character is seen in the family he built, and the community he served. The evidence of his legacy is found in the Gcumisa Clan, who will remember him for generations to come.
I am grateful to have called myself a friend of Inkosi Gcumisa. He never allowed politics to define his decisions, and our friendship was built on a shared passion to serve in the way we felt best. He cared for people, for development, and for good governance. He cared about righting the wrongs of the past, and honouring those who went before in the fight for freedom, including his own father.
I admired his leadership and esteemed his friendship. I hope that my actions in this time of mourning have expressed my admiration, and my sorrow at the great loss you have suffered. There is little one can do to ease the burden of suffering. But what can be done, is done gladly.
I now stand with the family and community of Inkosi Gcumisa to honour a great man. May his soul rest in peace, and may we all be comforted. In particular, I pray for healing to descend on his wife and children from the hand of the Good Lord above. Just as He did when Lazarus died, the Lord weeps with us now.
