Zulu royal council chairperson Inkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi has lashed out at those who have politicised the proposed monthly R10 contribution to make king Misuzulu kaZwelithini and the royal family financially independent from government.

Entering the debate for the first time, the royal council accused those opposed to the gesture as anti-ubukhosi (traditional leadership) in the country. Buthelezi, who is also the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s son, said his council sees no problem with the proposal as it is voluntary and has been a historical cultural practice in African traditional leadership that the subjects from time to time will pay a ‘khonza fee” (to pledge their allegiance) as a gesture of appreciation to their king. 

“This is not new and every time that people, politicians and businesspeople visit the king, they come with different presents, including monetary gifts. We do not understand the noise about this proposal and we suspect that those opposed to it are anti-ubukhosi who want the government to control the traditional leaders through salaries and cultural funding for political reasons. These people fear that when traditional leaders are fully recognised and independent they will rise against their nefarious actions,” said Buthelezi.

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

This sparked a debate with some suggesting that the king is struggling financially, however, Buthelezi dismissed this assertion, saying the proposal did not come from the king or the royal family.

He said it was strange that people make offerings every Sunday to the church and no one complains about it because they understand the church and the pastor need to be financially maintained, however, when the king’s subjects want to do the same, people raise the issue of unemployment as if they are being forced to support the king. 

Zulu royal spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu also defended the proposal, saying the advisors, as the king’s subjects themselves, are entitled to their opinion.

The proposal was a direct response to KwaZulu-Natal Treasury’s decision to block 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.

Maphalala on Sunday defended the proposal, saying it was important because politicians tend to undermine the king as he is on their payroll and they fund his cultural ceremonies. 

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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