Amazulu King Misuzulu's advisors suggest Zulus contribute R10 per month to support his financial independence

In an effort to make the Zulu king and the royal family truly independent , King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s advisors have proposed a monthly R10 contribution by every Zulu person in South Africa and the rest of the world.

The proposal was a direct response to the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury’s decision to block additional funding for the annual Reed Dance festival after the king moved it from its original venue of 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.

In a statement issued by the king’s advisors, African historian, Professor Jabulani Maphalala and Abantu Botho Congress founder Philani Mavundla, they said they were concerned about the negative press coverage of the king’s decision to relocate the Reed Dance from eNyokeni to Mashobeni.

“The suggestion that this decision could “set him against the financially strained KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government” is not only far-fetched but utterly ridiculous. As Isizwe saMazulu (the Zulu nation) we wholeheartedly support the King’s decision.

"Our position is unequivocal: once “Umlomo Ongathethimanga” (the one that does not speak lies) has spoken, no other voice should presume to challenge his authority. Let every Zulu person contribute R10 (ten Rand) per month to ensure the Zulu Nation can independently manage its affairs,” read the statement.

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.

Attempts to get reaction from both the KZN provincial government and the royal family's spokespersons were unsuccessful.

Speaking on Sunday, Maphalala said the proposal was important because politicians tend to undermine the king as he is on their payroll and they fund his cultural ceremonies.

He said the idea was not entirely new as it was first introduced in 1933 after the death of King Solomon kaDinuzulu.

He said it was prompted by the fact that the king died at the age of 40, leaving behind 50 wives and many children without any financial support. The proposal was made by the regent Prince Mshiyeni who held the position for the young heir Prince Bhekuzulu, the late king Zwelithini’s father, who eventually ascended to the throne in 1948. The collection at the time was 25c per person.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za