Zulu King’s Advisors
By Lerato Mpembe
Zulu king’s advisors propose R10 monthly contribution from all Zulus amid Reed Dance funding dispute, as a response to the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury’s refusal to provide extra funds following the relocation of the annual ceremony from Enyokeni to Mashobeni palace.
Durban – 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 suggestion comes as a direct pushback against the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury’s decision to withhold additional funding for the annual Reed Dance festival, after the king relocated it from the long-standing venue of Enyokeni royal palace in Nongoma to the new Mashobeni palace in Pongola.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the king’s advisors – renowned African historian Professor Jabulani Maphalala and Abantu Batho Congress founder Philani Mavundla, who is also the mayor of Greytown – they expressed deep concern over negative media coverage of the king’s decision. “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,” the statement read.
The advisors stressed unwavering loyalty to the king, referring to him as “Umlomo Ongathethimanga” (the one that does not speak lies). “Our position is unequivocal: once ‘Umlomo Ongathethimanga’ 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,” they declared.
This proposal aims to foster financial independence for the Zulu monarchy, allowing it to fund cultural events like the Reed Dance without relying on government allocations. With an estimated 10 to 12 million Zulu people in South Africa alone, plus those in the diaspora, the monthly contributions could generate between R100 million and R120 million per month if fully adopted. This revenue would support the king’s affairs, including ceremonies, royal household maintenance, and other traditional obligations.
Background to the Funding Dispute
The controversy stems from King Misuzulu’s announcement earlier this month to move the Reed Dance – a traditional ceremony celebrating young women’s purity and cultural heritage – from Enyokeni palace, where it has been held for over 40 years, to Mashobeni palace. Enyokeni is located in Nongoma in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal, while Mashobeni is in Pongola in the north-east, closer to the king’s preferred residence.
The KwaZulu-Natal Treasury had already budgeted R8 million for this year’s event at Enyokeni. However, the relocation incurs extra costs, including new tents, transportation, and infrastructure setup at the unfamiliar venue. Treasury MEC Francois Rodgers stated that the province is under severe financial strain, with budget constraints due to economic challenges, and cannot provide additional funds. “We are committed to supporting cultural events, but fiscal responsibility must come first,” Rodgers said in a media briefing last week.
The advisors blamed the government’s financial woes on its own mismanagement, pointing out that Zulu people continue to pay taxes without fail. “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,” the statement questioned.
They added: “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.”
Attempts to obtain comment from the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government and the royal family’s official spokespersons were unsuccessful by deadline.
Historical Precedent and Broader Implications
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Professor Maphalala elaborated that the R10 contribution idea is not new. He traced it back to 1933, following the death of King Solomon kaDinuzulu at age 40, who left behind 50 wives and numerous children without financial support. At the time, Regent Prince Mshiyeni proposed a 25-cent collection per Zulu person to sustain the royal family during the minority of the young heir, Prince Bhekuzulu – father of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini – who ascended the throne in 1948.
“This proposal is important because politicians tend to undermine the king as he is on their payroll and they fund his cultural ceremonies,” Maphalala explained. He argued that independent funding would restore dignity to the monarchy and prevent political interference in traditional matters.
The Reed Dance, known as Umkhosi woMhlanga, draws thousands of young maidens annually and serves as a vital cultural rite. Last year’s event at Enyokeni attracted over 30,000 participants, underscoring its significance to Zulu identity. The relocation to Mashobeni has sparked debate, with some traditionalists viewing it as a break from custom, while supporters see it as the king’s prerogative to modernise and centralise royal activities.
Critics of the government’s stance highlight broader tensions between the Zulu monarchy and provincial authorities. The KwaZulu-Natal government allocates about R70 million annually to the royal household, covering salaries, events, and maintenance. However, audits have revealed inefficiencies, including over-expenditure on vehicles and travel, prompting calls for tighter controls amid the province’s R12 billion budget deficit.
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