The passing of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, may his soul rest in peace, represents a crossroads in South African politics.
His political career, which spanned a veritable three-quarters of a century, provides many lessons about the past but, more importantly, raises important questions about the future of our democratic Republic.
Will the authority of elected public representatives prevail over that of traditional leaders, especially in the former Bantustans?
Will a unified national identity triumph over provincial ethnic identities?
Will republicanism ultimately triumph over autocracy?
Will continuities of apartheid oppressions and exploitation be finally eradicated?
South Africa is not the only country facing these types of questions.
The rise of right-wing leaders
