Mangosuthu Buthelezi's health declines as post-surgery ...

Mangosuthu Buthelezi remains in hospital after his health worsened.

The health of IFP founder and traditional Zulu prime minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, has worsened, his family said on Wednesday.

Early in July, the 94-year-old politician and traditional leader underwent a procedure for back pain management.

According to the family, the pain did not subside sufficiently, prompting his readmission to hospital within a month.

A spokesperson for the family, Bhekuyise Buthelezi, said: "He has since developed a complication and, therefore, remains in hospital at this stage to receive the necessary care.

"The duration of his hospital stay will depend on how fast his body can recover from the complication.

"On behalf of uMntwana wakwaPhindangene and the family, we wish to convey deepest appreciation for the many prayers, messages of support, well wishes and love that have been received."

READ | Buthelezi back in hospital: Well-wishers asked not to visit as he recovers while IFP-ANC tensions escalate

Bhekuyise said the family was confident the elderly politician was receiving appropriate medical care.

He urged well-wishers to give Buthelezi time to rest and recover as he approaches his 95th birthday later in August.

The Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said President Cyril Ramaphosa contacted Buthelezi's family and had received a briefing about his condition.

Ramaphosa conveyed his well wishes and prayers for the veteran politician, wishing him a speedy recovery. 

Buthelezi, a known diabetic, had also been receiving medical treatment for high blood pressure.

News24 previously reported that his worsening ill-health came amid tension between him and Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini over the running of the Ingonyama Trust, as well as increased public spats between his party and the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal.