Royal household allocated R67-million in budget vote

THE Zulu Royal household has been allocated a budget of R67.316-million for the 2022/23 financial year.

This was announced by KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala when he tabled his office's budget vote in the provincial legislature last week.

The premier said his office’s priorities in supporting His

Majesty King Misuzulu and the royal household include major maintenance projects such as the erection of new security fences and providing adequate security at all royal palaces.

He said they would continue to provide support for various cultural and traditional activities set to be undertaken by the monarch.

‘The king’s activities include the hosting of 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,’ said Zikalala.

‘The king will also perform his role of installing Amakhosi statutorily and in terms of traditional customs,’ he said.

The royal household budget was slashed by R5-million in the previous financial year, coming down from R71.3-million to R66-million.

Zikalala said they are, however, finding ways to explore revenue generation strategies to ensure ‘financial independence in the near future’.

‘One of the most important projects is the support to the Zulu Royal Household Trust (ZRHT).

‘The ZRHT is in the process of appointing a service provider to conduct a feasibility study to identify viable farming options on which the entity should focus.

In line with its fundraising 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,’ said Zikalala.