The annual budget for the Zulu royal family, led by King Misuzulu KaZwelithini, for the 2025-2026 period has been increased by 11.2% to R8.6-million.
The hefty budget allocation was announced by KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli in the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg earlier on Thursday.
The Zulu Royal House Trust (ZRHT) falls under the office of the premier. It gets its allocation from the same office.
Royal house allocated R86m
Announcing the budget, Ntuli said the trust will get R 86,141-million. And the allocation has been upped from the R77.5-million that was given to it when the budget was slashed by R2-million in August last year when the government of provincial unity (GPU) took office after the May 29 elections.
At the time it was slashed, the government said it was cutting costs across the board as the province was battling to stay financially afloat after years of financial mismanagement.
“The Sub-Programme: Royal Household receives R 86,141-million. The Office of the Premier provides active support to the Royal Household Trust. And the Zulu Royal House Trust will continue to explore medium-to long-term revenue-generating projects. It will prioritise property development to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Zulu Royal Family,” Ntuli announced during his office’s budget vote.
Money not meant for King’s pocket
It is worth noting that the money does not go directly to King Misuzulu’s pocket. But it is used for cultural ceremonies, maintenance of palaces. It will also pay school fees, medical fees and other needs of selected members of the royal family.
Ntuli also announced during the budget vote that the ZRHT will consider public-private partnerships. But the private sector participation will only be prioritised in raising funds for the medium to long term.
“The ZRHT will continue to explore opportunities in commercial farming. It will continue to create partnerships with provincial entities specialising in agriculture. The planning and coordination of a fundraising event to celebrate Zulu cultural heritage is underway. And the event is expected to take place in 2025/26.”
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