Free-spending king seems unaware of rampant poverty

11 March 2015 - 02:11 By The Times Editorial
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Loyalty to culture and respect for our leaders do not imply unquestioning acceptance of the leaders' demands.

We report today that Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini will receive an extra R2-million of taxpayers' money to top up his R54-million annual budget.

Only a few months ago he spent R10000 on his birthday cake, and R120000 on crockery and cutlery, using public money.

KwaZulu-Natal finance MEC Belinda Scott did not give any assurances yesterday that the king's spending would be reined in.

Although we do not question the principle of funding the king and other traditional leader s , South Africans have a duty to ask questions about how traditional royal houses manage their finances .

All we are asking for is an audit of their books and the acceptance by their majesties that they are accountable to their people.

Although it plays a critical role in our society, the Zulu royal house's budget must be in line with our economic realities.

In December, it asked for a R10-million bailout.

Ten months earlier the king spent R2.8-million on imported military regalia for his wives and children, and for the members of the board of the Ingonyama Trust, to be worn at the opening of the provincial legislature.

Each of his six wives receives a R31000 monthly stipend, R6500 for groceries, a R4550 medical allowance and a R2400 cellphone allowance.

Last year, hard-pressed South African taxpayers picked up a R2.5-million tab for King Zwelithini's travelling expenses.

About R1-million of our taxes went to the fees for his five children and a grandchild, who attend top private schools.

Throwing millions at institutions and individuals without any accountability sends the wrong message to our people - that they should bow with servile lack of demur to culture and leadership.

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