Buthelezi’s family issued a statement on Saturday 8 August saying that he is currently in self-isolation for the mandatory period. “We, the family of Prince Magosuthu Buthelezi, Founder and President Emeritus of the IFP, Inkosi of the Buthelezi Clan and Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, wish to advise that uMntwana wa KwaPhindangene has tested positive for COVID-19,” it said.

Earlier this week, Buthelezi was informed that he came into contact with a positive case. He thus took the precautionary measure of being tested despite displaying no symptoms. “At this point, we are pleased to say that he remains asymptomatic and is in good spirits. As a family we have put in place a capable team to keep watch over the situation,” the statement read. “Please rest assured that we will keep you informed of his progress and will advise when he is back in office.

During this period of self-isolation, members of the media are kindly respected to respect our space,” it added. The Buthelezi family said it is aware that many families have journeyed this road of infection and the overwhelming majority have emerged to full recovery. “We, therefore, thank you for your prayers as we await a good outcome,” it added.