KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers is in the process of establishing a beef production enterprise which will help the Zulu royal family to be financially independent and save the province more than R60 million which is annually allocated to King Misizulu kaZwelithini and the family.

This was revealed by the Democratic Alliance chief whip in the provincial legislature Dr Imran Keeka on Thursday. The party was reflecting on its first anniversary of the Government of Provincial Unity, particularly its role and achievements. The party said one of its achievements is that it has strengthened relations with the AmaZulu Royal Household and its Finance MEC is working on a beef production enterprise to ensure the monarchy’s fiscal independence.

“The Treasury under Rodgers is working on establishing a beef production enterprise to ensure the monarchy’s fiscal independence,” said Keeka.

If Rogers succeeds, he will  achieve what has been elusive since 1994. There had been talk of creating a Royal Household Trust which previous provincial government administrations had described as the vehicle that was going to sustain the Zulu royal family financially and end its financial dependence on taxpayers who fund the king and the royal family’s financial needs.

Reacting to the announcement, the Zulu royal family’s spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu said the family will comment after the MEC has officially informed his Majesty, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini about the details of the enterprise.

Another major achievement listed was Rogers’ ability to devise a cost-cutting strategy which has reduced the provincial government’s projected over-expenditure from R10 billion to R800 million. The plan is now being implemented.

The party described its participation in the GPU as a year of positive change for the people of the province, ‘who now have a government focused on placing their needs first and realising the province’s true potential’.

It said the move from a single majority party government to a partnership consisting of KZN’s four leading political parties  has not been without its challenges, however, there have been notable successes.

The party said its participation in the GPU has allowed it to play a key part in critical decision-making that affects the people of the province. These roles include heading KZN Finance Rodgers, Public Works and Infrastructure which is under MEC Martin Meyer, deputy Speaker through Mmabatho Tembe as well as chairing important portfolio committees such as Health, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and provincial SCOPA( Standing Committee on Public Accounts).

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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