The country is in ruins, yet we’re building another palace
The debate over the role of traditional leadership in a constitutional democracy such as ours has long been settled. But while the constitution is clear in its recognition of the institution of traditional leadership, it is the way some of our kings and queens are funded that often causes controversy. Take the KwaZulu-Natal government’s decision this week to build a new palace for King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. While most citizens accept that the fiscus has to pick up the bill for his maintenance, and that of other traditional leaders, this has to be done in a responsible manner that takes account of the many other challenges facing our society.
In a province that is still battling to recover from the devastating effects of the 2022 floods that left scores of people homeless and major roads and other infrastructure washed away, it is hard to believe that the provincial government sees as its priority the building of yet another palace for the monarchy.
There are hundreds, if not thousands of people around KwaZulu-Natal who are displaced. They have to make do with community halls and makeshift tents as homes due to the floods. Shouldn’t the provincial government’s priority be to build them safe accommodation?
King Misuzulu may be relatively new on his throne, but that does not mean he is short of a palace. The Zulu monarchy has several, all of them generally well maintained by the taxpayer.
Given the state of the economy as well as the many social ills confronting the country, including KwaZulu-Natal, one would think premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube — who announced the palace plan in her state of the province address — might have more important things to spend her budget on.
But elections are coming up in three months and keeping on the right side of the king could help the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal.
This decision needs to be reconsidered as there is no justification for spending millions of rand on an extra palace while ordinary citizens across the country are being asked to tighten their belts and accept below-standard service delivery at hospitals, public schools and other public institutions because there is no money.
King Misuzulu can also demonstrate that he is a different kind of monarch — one who places the population above his personal needs — by publicly turning down the premier’s offer to build him this palace.