King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has moved to clarify the royal family’s position on the proposed R10 monthly contribution by Zulus, saying it was not sanctioned by him.

Breaking his silence on the matter, the king, through a statement issued by his private office on Wednesday, distanced himself and the royal family from the proposal, saying he did not sanction it.

“The Private Office of His Majesty, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini wishes to set the record straight regarding recent reports circulating in the media and on social platforms suggesting that each Zulu person should contribute R10 per month towards funding the affairs of the Zulu Nation.

“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 proposal was made by the king’s advisors, African historian Professor Jabulani Maphalala and Abantu Batho Congress founder Philani Mavundla, who issued a statement at the weekend proposing that Zulus living in the country and abroad pay R10 a month to ensure the king was financially independent from government.

It was a direct response to KwaZulu-Natal Treasury, which said there will be no additional funding for this year’s annual Reed Dance ceremony after the king moved it from Enyokeni royal palace to Mashobeni palace.

Enyokeni is a purpose-built R140 million amphitheatre complex, which years ago, was specifically requested by the royal family. The complex was fast-tracked to be ready for this year’s ceremony, however, the king announced that the event will no longer take place at the venue.

Misuzulu’s spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu said although the king and the royal family distanced themselves from the proposal, they cannot suppress dialogue amongst people who are discussing matters of their interests, adding that people have freedom of speech.

“The statement I issued was intended to correct the perception that the proposal came from the king or the royal family so it must not be attributed to us. The individuals that proposed it are known. In the spirit of national dialogue, we cannot suppress the people’s freedom of speech. They have a right to propose or debate whatever is of concern to them,” said Zulu

Reacting to the king’s statement, Maphalala said the king is correct as it was clear that the proposal came from him and Mavundla in an open letter they sent out to the public.

He said he did not understand why people attributed the proposal to the king. 

“Like in Parliament, once the public has commented, the king will convene his parliament, which is an imbizo of amakhosi (gathering of traditional leaders) to debate the matter and approve it or dismiss it. If approved, the king will then make a formal announcement. For now, no one has been asked to pay anything until the king and his executive approves it,” said Maphalala.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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