President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi will be honoured with a special official funeral in Ulundi, in KwaZulu-Natal.

Buthelezi passed away on September 9 at the age of 95. His funeral is expected to take place on Saturday.

“As preparations unfold for memorial events, President Ramaphosa reiterates his deep condolences to the Royal Household as well as the friends, colleagues – including Members of Parliament – and associates nationally and internationally of the late leader,” said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

Along with serving as the Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Buthelezi also served as the first Minister of Home Affairs of the democratic South Africa.

Ramaphosa has indicated that flags will be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country from today until the evening of the day on which the funeral will take place.