The Zulu nation reacts to being asked to donate to royal family

by Nomonde Simelane

Members of the Zulu nation have been left in disbelief after it was reported that the personal advisors of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini put forward a suggestion for them to make R10 donations every month for the upkeep of the royal family.

The Zulu monarchy is one of the most powerful and historically influential monarchies in South Africa. Their massive size, coupled with their cultural significance, have propelled them to become one of the more politically significant traditional monarchies.

Although there has been some opposition to this, traditional royal houses are funded mainly through the county’s public funds, as traditional leaders are recognised in the constitution under the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act. While the day-to-day runnings are supported from respective provinces, the Department of Traditional Affairs also provides funding, as well as some oversight.

According to the government’s official site, the Zulu house’s yearly budget sits at approximately R86 million, which is an 11% increase from previous years. Recently, two of King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini’s personal advisors have come out to suggest an alternative plan for the royal house to gather funding, which does not rely too heavily on government funding.

Prof. Jabulani Maphalala and Philani Mavundla proposed that members of the Zulu nation, whether based locally or abroad, make R10 monthly donations to cover the royal family’s various costs.

“Let every Zulu person contribute R10 per month to ensure the Zulu Nation can independently manage its affairs. Given the number of Zulus in this country, this is entirely achievable,” they said in a joint statement.

This suggestion has garnered some backlash from the public, particularly the Zulu people, who have questioned how things have managed to get to this point. These members highlight other royal houses, such as the Royal Bafokeng, who were recently reported to have grown their wealth to R50 billion, and question what the Zulu house does with their funds, as well as why they have failed to do the same.

Furthermore, others highlight how this suggestion is a reflection of the house’s greed, as they already receive a significant amount from the Ingonyama Trust, as well as the government funding.

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