Mangosuthu Buthelezi

Buthelezi revived the Zulu cultural movement Inkatha as a political party, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). He positioned it as a moderate alternative to the ANC, advocating for federalism and Zulu autonomy within a democratic South Africa.

Buthelezi became Chief Minister of the KwaZulu bantustan, a nominally self-governing territory under apartheid. He used this position to resist incorporation into South Africa while cooperating with the system, a stance criticized by anti-apartheid activists.

Following the unbanning of the ANC, violent conflict erupted between IFP and ANC supporters in KwaZulu-Natal and the Transvaal, resulting in thousands of deaths. Buthelezi's IFP was accused of collaborating with apartheid security forces.

Buthelezi agreed to participate in South Africa's first democratic elections after last-minute negotiations, allowing the IFP to be included on the ballot. The IFP won 10.5% of the vote, and Buthelezi became Minister of Home Affairs.