New Zulu king in line to reap millions

Zulu King Misuzulu is set to reap lucrative benefits, as well as a salary, from the state coffers, while his detractors persist in their bid to have him dethroned. Last week, notes a Sunday Tribune report, the DG of the Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs, Mashwahle Diphofa, instructed the office of the KZN Premier to provide a salary, allowances, benefits and required tools of the trade to the king to officially assume his duties. This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa officially recognised Misuzulu as the rightful heir to the throne of the Zulu kingdom. Members of the Zulu royal household have been fighting over who should take over the reins since King Goodwill Zwelithini died a year ago. The protracted legal battle was resolved in the KZN High Court (Pietermaritzburg) last month, which ruled in favour of Misuzulu, prompting Ramaphosa to recognise him as the king last week. According to the government’s salary recommendations, the king would receive an annual salary of more than R1.4m. In addition, the Zulu royal household would receive an annual budget of R66m from the KZN Government. The budget was meant to maintain the lifestyle of the queens, their palaces and events hosted by the royals. The king was also entitled to VIP protection and support staff paid for by the state. In the letter to his provincial counterpart, Diphofa confirmed the recognition of Misuzulu as king. ‘The original certificate of recognition will be handed over on a date to be agreed upon by the king, royal family and government. The department requests that the office of the Premier provide his majesty with the applicable salary, allowances, benefits, gadgets and required tools of the trade,’ read the letter.