The Presidency says in a statement that Ramaphosa has communicated with the Buthelezi family, who have briefed him about the Prince's health condition.

The President has expressed Ramaphosa's well wishes and conveyed that his heartfelt prayers are with Prince Buthelezi and the family.

The Buthelezi family says the Prince had been readmitted to the hospital following complications linked to a procedure for back pain management.

The family has thanked South Africans for their prayers and messages of support. Family spokesperson, Doctor Bhekuyise Ngqengelele Buthelezi...

"He has since developed a complication and therefore remains in the hospital at this stage to receive the necessary care. The duration of his hospital stay will depend on how his body recovers from the complication. On behalf of uMntwana wakwaPhindangene and the family, we wish to convey our deepest appreciation for the many prayers, messages of support, well wishes, and messages of love that have been received. We remain confident that he is receiving the appropriate medical care."

--SABC--