DURBAN – Two advisors to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini have called on Zulu people to contribute R10 each month to support the affairs of the Zulu nation and reduce reliance on government funding, which currently amounts to about R86.1 million annually.
Professor Jabulani Maphalala and businessman Philani “PG” Mavundla made the proposal following the king’s announcement that, from September, the annual reed dance will be held at the revived Mashobeni palace, near the border of Nongoma and Uphongolo. The palace once belonged to Queen Nandi, mother of the legendary King Shaka, and the move will replace the long-standing eNyokeni palace venue, which has hosted the ceremony since the 1970s.
Political parties, including the DA in KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial government, expressed concerns that the nearly complete R300-million eNyokeni precinct could become another unfinished project. They also warned that the province may face additional financial strain due to the sudden change.
In response, Maphalala and Mavundla defended the king’s decision, saying it should not be questioned and that it is “the voice that tells no lies.” They argued that the financial difficulties of the provincial government are self-created and questioned how taxpayers’ contributions have been managed.
The advisors proposed that a small monthly contribution from every Zulu citizen could allow the nation to manage its cultural and traditional obligations independently. “Given the number of Zulus in this country, this is entirely achievable,” they said, adding that the call for donations reflects frustration with repeated claims of “no money” whenever the king makes a decision.
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