When it comes to South Africa's political living room, Mangosuthu Buthelezi can be considered part of the furniture.

But he's not one of those dusty, faded lamps hidden in the corner. No sirree, he's the well-worn leather recliner that seems to stay in style as décor trends come and go.

Unhealthy furniture obsessions aside, the leader of the country's third largest party (despite what Cope would have you believe) has been part of the country's politics for what seems like an age.

If we were to play a word association game and I tossed the phrase "Inkatha Freedom Party" out there, whose name would pop into your mind? That's right, the one and only 'Prince of Phindangene'.

But how much do you really know about the articulate Inkatha Freedom Party leader?

Did you know that Buthelezi would turn his nose up at the latest offering from Hollywood and instead mosey on down to the opera? Indeed, this is a man of classic culture.

Let's take a closer look at the figure who was voted 15th in the Top 100 Great South Africans poll.

Buthelezi — the early years

The Zulu leader has held the chieftainship of the large Buthelezi tribe since 1953. A few years prior to this, Buthelezi joined the African National Congress Youth League. Now, I know what you're thinking — and no, a young Mangosuthu was apparently nothing like the lovable Julius Malema (let's face it; Malema is one-of-a-kind).

Interestingly, Buthelezi came into contact with Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe at around this time, during a spell at the University of Fort Hare. Ah, the obligatory bad influence. Funnily enough, Buthelezi was soon expelled from the university after taking part in student boycotts.

In 1975, the son of Princess Magogo decided the time was right and the IFP was born, importantly with the blessing of the ANC. But just four short years later, Buthelezi cut ties with the ANC, disputing their use of the militant wing 'Umkhonto we Sizwe' (Spear of the Nation).

Later, with democracy on the horizon, the IFP leader refused to take part in the 1994 elections, before eventually being convinced to enter late. In the country's first post-Apartheid government, Buthelezi held the position of Minister of Home Affairs and was named acting president on a handful of occasions.

Controversies

Para-military accusations flew as Buthelezi was implicated in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, described as a person responsible for gross violations of human rights. Eventually, the two parties settled out of court and the 'information' never came to light.

Just prior to South Africa going to the polls in 2004, Buthelezi took then-president Thabo Mbeki to court in a bid to secure stricter immigration regulations. After the elections, Mbeki offered the IFP man the position of Deputy President, which he refused, before moving his party from the coalition government to the opposition benches. A firm nose-thumbing to the ruling partry, then.
QUICK FACTS
Born 27 August 1928
Parents Chief Mathole Buthelezi and Princess Magogo kaDinizulu
Education Impumalanga Primary School, Adams College, University of Fort Hare, University ofNatal
Marital status Married to Irene Audrey Thandekile Mzila
Classic quote "I have heard that some people are saying no, let's put in the provincial ballot for the IFP and the national one for Mr Zuma because he's a Zulu. That is utter nonsense. That is absolute hogwash. That is absolute balderdash. That is absolute poo. We need both ballots for the IFP."

The man outside of politics

So what is the 80-year-old like away from the bright lights of politics? Buthelezi's favourite pastime is reading and he himself has penned a number of books. He is said to enjoy a number of musical genres, ranging from classical to traditional Zulu and even pop.

The Zulu prince is Anglican. He apparently prefers not to indulge in red meat. His time spent in front of the television involves mostly news and current affairs programmes.

Despite being pretty 'old school', Buthelezi seems to make an effort to keep up with the trends and has been known to don the odd pink shirt and modern shades (does the IFP have an 80-year-old metrosexual on its hands?).

Where to from here?

It is pretty clear that the only place in which the IFP has a realistic chance of succeeding, is KwaZulu-Natal.

So, does Buthelezi have what it takes to wrest control of KZN back from the ANC?

Despite fighting somewhat of an uphill battle (and a fellow Zulu), if you were forced to put money on someone edging out the ruling party in the region, the prince would probably be it.

So before you decide to get rid of that leather lounger in favour of some newfangled settee, consider this old saying: "They don't make 'em like they used to".

Will Mangosuthu Buthelezi rule KZN once more? Leave a comment below!
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