Durban - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has revealed that the government is exploring revenue generation strategies for the Zulu royal family to be independent in the near future.
Zikalala said this as he allocated R67 million to the Zulu Royal Household Trust (ZRHT) when he tabled a R767m budget of his office before the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.
This was a slight increase on a royals annual budget from R66m in the previous year.
The royal household budget is used to provide support to the king’s activities, including the hosting of annual traditional and cultural events to preserve and restore Zulu culture.
Zikalala said the ZRHT was in the process of appointing a service provider to conduct a feasibility study to identify viable farming options that the entity should focus on.
“In line with its fund-raising and revenue generation strategy, several quick-win projects are planned, including the acquisition of retail outlets.
“Through the ZRHT, the Office of the Premier will continue to provide for the Queens’ well-being and other royal family expenses while supporting the drive towards financial self-sustainability,” he added.
The budget is also used for the maintenance of more than five palaces of the royal family and all the queens.
While this was an increase from the previous budget of R66m, it is still lower than the 2020/2021 R71m budget received by the royal family under the late King Zwelithini's reign.
The budget allocation comes as the royal family is preparing for the highly anticipated coronation of King Misuzulu, which was set for May 28 but was postponed indefinitely due to the flood disaster.
While the coronation is expected to be a massive event that will attract thousands, including dignitaries, Zikalala would not divulge how much will be used for the historic event.
He reassured that the government would provide the necessary support to the king.
The Office of the Premier is responsible for the Royal Household Trust and will provide the necessary support to His Majesty.
— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) May 5, 2022
In the current financial year, an amount of R 67 316 000 is budgeted for the Royal Household programme. #KZNBudget2022 pic.twitter.com/FAzMKjp0ly
Among activities that will require massive budgets in the royal house, he said his office was forging ahead with major maintenance projects which include the erection of new security fences and providing adequate security at all royal palaces.
“In this financial year, the King will partake in various important ceremonies and traditional functions of the province. This includes the King Dinuzulu Prayer Day, the Royal Reed Dance, the First Fruits ceremony (Umkhosi Woselwa), Amaganu ceremonies, Umkhosi weSivivane, Ukukhonza (Homage) by the Makhanya Clan. The King will also perform his role of installing Amakhosi statutorily and in terms of traditional customs,” he said.
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