King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is expected to consult with his advisors regarding their proposal for each Zulu person to contribute R10 towards the kingdom’s financial independence.

This was revealed by one of the advisors, Philani Mavundla, who said they are waiting for the king to set a date for a comprehensive and detailed presentation.

Mavundla said they are not backing down on the proposal because they carefully thought about it, and it is not something new in the Zulu kingdom.

“We are just waiting for the king to call us at any time. In terms of the protocol, His Majesty has sole rights to summon any of his subjects to come and see him at any given time without prior notice, so we are standing ready for the call at a time that will be convenient for the king,” he said.

He and Professor Jabulani Maphalala have been appointed as the king’s advisors. He stated that they have been comparing the proposal to those of other tribes, such as the Tibiyo taka Ngwane, an investment company owned by the Swati people.

Mavundla said the company was founded by the late King Sobhuza II soon after Eswatini received independence from Britain in 1968.

Mavundla stated that Sobhuza envisioned a vehicle for the Swati people to gain ownership of their country’s means of production. To achieve this, he urged Swatis to contribute what they could, including cattle, to build their own economy and reduce dependence on former colonisers. Today, through this company, Swatis hold the majority ownership of the nation’s economy.

“We are going to make a comprehensive proposal to the king. Our idea is akin to Tibiyo taka Ngwane. Today, the conglomerate owns the majority of businesses in the country, which include brewery and soft drinks production,” said Mavundla.

The proposal came as a direct response to the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury’s decision to withhold additional funding for the annual Reed Dance festival, following the king’s relocation of the event from Enyokeni Royal Palace to the new Mashobeni Palace. 

In a statement that advisors issued after the Treasury’s announcement, they said it was the king’s prerogative to decide where the Zulu cultural events should take place, and no one can dare to challenge the king’s authority.

The king has previously distanced himself from the call, saying it should not be attributed to him or the royal family since it had not been tabled and endorsed by any recognised royal structure.

The king is also expected to touch on the matter when he delivers his keynote address at the annual Reed Dance ceremony this weekend.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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