King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s advisors have proposed that Zulu people contribute R10 each month to make the monarch and the royal family financially independent from the state.
The proposal follows the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury’s decision to block additional funding for the annual Reed Dance festival after the king moved it from its traditional venue at Enyokeni Palace in Nongoma to the newly built Mashobeni Palace in Pongola.
In a joint statement, African historian Professor Jabulani Maphalala and Abantu Botho Congress founder Philani Mavundla defended the king’s decision and criticised the narrative that he risks clashing with the financially strained provincial government.
“Our position is unequivocal once ‘Umlomo Ongathethimanga’ (the one who does not speak lies) has spoken, no other voice should presume to challenge his authority. Let every Zulu person contribute R10 per month to ensure the Zulu Nation can independently manage its affairs,” they said.
The advisors added that Zulus continue to pay taxes but still face government claims of insufficient funds for cultural activities. They stressed that supporting the monarchy directly would affirm the nation’s respect for its traditions.
Professor Maphalala also noted that the idea was not new, pointing out that in 1933 Regent Prince Mshiyeni initiated a similar collection of 25c per person following the death of King Solomon kaDinuzulu, to support his widows and children.
