THE Zulu royal household received a budget increase for cultural events, but they have to generate their own revenue for self-sustainability.
The KZN government has allocated R67, 316 million for 2022/23 and is also helping them own a farm and retail outlets to be able to generate revenue.
Royal funds were recently unfrozen after President Cyril Ramaphosa recognised King Misuzulu as king of the Zulu nation. Last year, King Misuzulu held many cultural events without government funding. Delivering his budget speech, KZN Premier, Sihle Zikalala, said: “The office of the premier is responsible for the Royal Household Trust and will provide the necessary support to his majesty. The king’s activities include hosting annual traditional and cultural events to preserve and restore Zulu culture, as well as heritage events such as the king’s prayer days and other cultural events.”
He said in the 2022/23 financial year, the king will partake in various important ceremonies and traditional functions of the province.
“We were honoured by his majesty’s presence during the State of the Province Address. We look forward to his majesty’s opening of the provincial House of Traditional Leaders and hosting various annual traditional events, such as the King Dinuzulu Prayer Day, the Royal Reed Dance, the first fruit ceremony, Amaganu ceremonies and Umkhosi weSivivane,” he said.
“One of the most important projects is support to the Royal Household Trust as we explore revenue generation strategies with a view to support greater financial independence in the future.
As such, the Trust is in the process of appointing a service provider to conduct a feasibility study to identify viable farming options that the entity should focus on.”
Meanwhile, King Misuzulu commemorated the one-year anniversary of his mother’s death with a prayer at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma, KZN on Saturday.
