King Misuzulu gets royal budget of over R70m

DURBAN - The Kwazulu-Natal government has allocated almost R78 million for the Zulu monarch, King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini, for the next financial year. 

Premier Thami Ntuli announced the news while tabling his first budget vote speech at the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday.

Ntuli was appointed premier by the government of provincial unity comprising the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Democratic Alliance (DA), African National Congress (ANC) and National Freedom Party (NFP).  

The king's office falls under the premier's office and is allocated a budget for its functions each financial year.  

"The other sub-programme, Royal House with a budget of R77,507 million," said Ntuli.

While this is R2 million less than the previous year, Ntuli said the budget will cover the monarch's activities. 

"The office of the premier provides the Royal Household Trust. His Majesty the King's activities include, among other things, hosting of annual traditional and cultural events to preserve and restore the Zulu culture, as well as the hosting and celebration of heritage events such as the King's coronation," said Ntuli.