Mangosuthu Buthelezi tests positive for Covid-19

The 91-year-old politician's positive test was confirmed in a statement by his family on Saturday. 

The family says Buthelezi, who has diabetes, had come into contact with a person that had tested positive for the virus.

He subsequently went for a test.

“We, the family of Prince Mangosuthu 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," the family said in the statement.

"Earlier this week, he was informed that he had been in contact with a positive case and he thus took the precautionary measure of being tested, despite displaying no symptoms himself.”

Buthelezi is self-isolating at home for the mandatory period but is asymptomatic and in good spirits, according to the family.

ALSO READ: Brazil tops 100,000 virus deaths, Trump extends US economic aid