The Changing Face of Zulu Nationalism: The Transformation of Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s Politics and Public Image

This article discusses attempts by Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the leader of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) for than four decades, to change his political image from that of a Zulu nationalist to that of a elder statesman of South African politics, who advocates inclusive politics. Although Buthelezi's attempts at political transformation have been underway for more than two decades now, the article focuses on his two recent attempts: the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Museum and Document Centre, and his 90th birthday celebrations. While these attempts are interesting in their own right, it is what they reveal about the politics of Zulu nationalism that is important. The paper argues that significant transformations are under way in the politics of Zulu nationalism, to which scholars should pay attention. These changes underscore the malleability and dynamism of the ideology of nationalism.