Aids killed my son - Buthelezi

2004-05-02 08:56

Johannesburg - Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, speaking at the funeral of his son, Prince Nelisuzulu Benedict Buthelezi, said that the cause of his son's death was HIV/Aids, a Sunday newspaper reported.

Speaking to thousands of people at the funeral in Mahlabathini in northern KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, Buthelezi tried to reduce the stigma surrounding the terminal disease.

"I reach out to all the other people who died of HIV/Aids. My son did... He died of HIV/Aids."

Buthelezi has always spoken out strongly against the government's slow response to the pandemic.

"I feel the pain of any father and mother across our land at this tragic hour of history. I feel the pain for the many children of Africa who are now dying an untimely and terrible death. I am in mourning. We are a nation which ought to be in mourning."

The IFP leader lost his cabinet position this week after a poor showing in the recent general election.

- SAPA