King Misuzulu denies knowledge of R10 monthly donation to support his financial independence

King Misuzulu KaZwelithini has distanced himself from the call for every Zulu person to donate R10 monthly to support the running of his kingdom.

Through his spokesperson, Prince Thulani Zulu, King Misuzulu stated on Wednesday that the proposal was not sanctioned by his office, as well as that of any official kingdom structure.

"We hereby state unequivocally that his Majesty has no knowledge of such a proposal, nor has it been tabled, considered, or endorsed by the King's Council, the Zulu Kingdom Executive, or any recognised structure of the Royal House. This notion did not originate from, nor was it authorised by his Majesty the King," read the statement.

The King was reacting to a proposal from his personal advisors, African historian Professor Jabulani Maphalala, and Abantu Botho Congress founder Philani Mavundla. The duo said they were concerned about the negative press coverage of the king’s decision to relocate the Reed Dance from eNyokeni to Mashobeni. 

The proposal was a direct response to the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury’s decision that there will be no additional funding for this year's annual Reed Dance festival after the king moved it from its original venue, Enyokeni royal palace, to the new Mashobeni palace.

Enyokeni palace, which has hosted the ceremony for more than 40 years, is in Nongoma in the north of the province while Mashobeni palace is in Pongola in the north-east of the province.

The advisors said that the financial difficulties faced by the KwaZulu-Natal government are a problem of its own making, adding that the Zulu people continue to pay taxes in the country, and have never been asked to cease doing so.

"The question must be asked: what has been done with our contributions? If it is true that there are insufficient funds to support what the Zulu nation rightfully deserves. 

“We are exasperated by the repeated claim that there is “no money” whenever the King makes a decision, despite the taxes diligently paid by the Zulu people. It is time for us, as the Zulu people, to examine this government’s actions and priorities more closely. We deserve respect for our cultural and traditional obligations,” the statement reads.

*This article has been edited to reflect that the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury did not block additional funding for this year’s annual Reed Dance ceremony but instead said there would be no additional funding for this year’s ceremony.

**The error is regretted and we apologise unreservedly for any inconvenience caused.

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