Latest news with #ReedDancefestival
IOL News
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Cloned - KZN Treasury casts doubt on King Misuzulu's plan for R10 collection from Zulus
King Misuzulu has moved this year's Reed Dance festival from Enyokeni palace to Mashobeni Palace. Image: Bongani Mbatha/ Independent Newspapers KwaZulu-Natal Treasury, the funder of the Zulu kingdom's cultural events, has poured cold water on the proposed monthly R10 contribution from Zulu people to make King Misuzulu and the royal family financially independent from the government. Reacting to the proposal, which has sparked public debate, provincial Treasury MEC Francois Rodgers said he did not know any legislation that permitted such revenue generation. 'I am unaware of legislation that permits such a manner of revenue generation,' said Rodgers. Last week, Rodgers announced that he would not allow additional funding for this year's Reed Dance festival after the king moved it from Enyokeni royal palace to Mashobeni palace. In so doing, it left behind a R140 million amphitheatre complex, which years ago, was specifically requested by the royal family. The complex was fast-tracked to be ready for this year's ceremony, however, the king announced that the event will no longer take place at the venue. During an inspection last month by Arts and Culture MEC Mtomuhle Khawula and Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer, it was announced that the government will no longer need to hire VIP marquees and toilets as Enyokeni had the infrastructure in place. The newly-built Mashobeni palace in Pongola on the north-east of the province had no building to house VIP guests which means the organisers will have to procure marquees and ablution facilities. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading In a direct response to the Treasury's decision to refuse additional funding, the king's advisors proposed that all Zulus must contribute R10 a month so that the king would not have to rely on government funding. In a statement issued by the advisors, African historian, Professor Jabulani Maphalala and Abantu Botho Congress founder Philani Mavundla, they said they were concerned about the negative press coverage of the king's decision to relocate the Reed Dance from Nyokeni to Mashobeni. The advisors invoked an old Zulu saying that 'Umlomo Ongathethimanga', which meant that once the king has spoken, no other voice should challenge his authority. Maphalala on Sunday defended the proposal, saying it was important because politicians tend to undermine the king as he is on their payroll and they fund his cultural ceremonies.
The South African
17 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
King MisuZulu's lux lifestyle: Zulu people to donate monthly?
King MisuZulu has shut down 'fake news' reports that he has asked Zulu people to make monthly monetary contributions towards the upkeep of his estate. The funding proposal follows reports that the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury has blocked additional funding for the Royal Household's annual Reed Dance festival after the king announced that it would relocate from its original venue of Enyokeni royal palace to the new Mashobeni palace. The 50-year-old is the son and heir of the late King Goodwill Zwelethini. He was has access to seven royal palaces, excluding one that is set to be built in Ballito. In several media reports, advisors to the Royal Household called on Zulu people in South Africa and around the world to pledge R10 each month towards the upkeep of King MisuZulu and his estate. The advisors questioned where the taxes paid by Zulu people had been used. They also accused the provincial government of disrespecting their cultural and traditional obligations. However, King MisuZulu and the Royal Household have since denied reports. An official Facebook post read, 'Stop this fake news. There's nothing like that in the Royal Household. King MisuZulu has never requested anything from anyone.' King MisuZulu reposted the comments on his page. Stop 🛑 this fake news there's nothing like that in the Royal Household. King MisuZulu has never 👎 requested anything from anyone. Please stop this!!! Posted by INdlunkulu Kazulu on Saturday 16 August 2025 In April, KZN Premier Thami Ntuli announced increasing the budget allocated to King MisuZulu's estate from R77,5 million per annum to R86 million. The Zulu Royal House Trust (ZRHT) is funded by the office of the Premier. The fund is used for the upkeep of the kingdom and for hosting annual traditional and cultural events to preserve and restore Zulu culture. It is also used to pay school fees, medical fees, and other needs of selected members of the royal family. According to the Premier, the trust is aimed at the Royal House exploring revenue-generating projects like commercial farming for self-sustainability. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Amazulu King Misuzulu's advisors suggest Zulus contribute R10 per month to support his financial independence
A proposal has been made that the Zulus contribute R10 monthly for king Misuzulu's financial independence. Image: archive In an effort to make the Zulu king and the royal family truly independent , King Misuzulu kaZwelithini's advisors have proposed a monthly R10 contribution by every Zulu person in South Africa and the rest of the world. The proposal was a direct response to the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury's decision to block additional funding for the annual Reed Dance festival after the king moved it from its original venue of Enyokeni royal palace to the new Mashobeni palace. Enyokeni palace, which has hosted the ceremony for more than 40 years, is in Nongoma in the north of the province while Mashobeni palace is in Pongola in the north-east of the province. In a statement issued by the king's advisors, African historian, Professor Jabulani Maphalala and Abantu Botho Congress founder Philani Mavundla, they said they were concerned about the negative press coverage of the king's decision to relocate the Reed Dance from eNyokeni to Mashobeni. 'The suggestion that this decision could 'set him against the financially strained KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government' is not only far-fetched but utterly ridiculous. As Isizwe saMazulu (the Zulu nation) we wholeheartedly support the King's decision. "Our position is unequivocal: once 'Umlomo Ongathethimanga' (the one that does not speak lies) has spoken, no other voice should presume to challenge his authority. Let every Zulu person contribute R10 (ten Rand) per month to ensure the Zulu Nation can independently manage its affairs,' read the statement. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The advisors said that the financial difficulties faced by the KwaZulu-Natal government are a problem of its own making, adding that the Zulu people continue to pay taxes in the country, and have never been asked to cease doing so. "The question must be asked: what has been done with our contributions? If it is true that there are insufficient funds to support what the Zulu nation rightfully deserves. 'We are exasperated by the repeated claim that there is 'no money' whenever the King makes a decision, despite the taxes diligently paid by the Zulu people. It is time for us, as the Zulu people, to examine this government's actions and priorities more closely. We deserve respect for our cultural and traditional obligations,' the statement reads. Attempts to get reaction from both the KZN provincial government and the royal family's spokespersons were unsuccessful. Speaking on Sunday, Maphalala said the proposal was important because politicians tend to undermine the king as he is on their payroll and they fund his cultural ceremonies. He said the idea was not entirely new as it was first introduced in 1933 after the death of King Solomon kaDinuzulu. He said it was prompted by the fact that the king died at the age of 40, leaving behind 50 wives and many children without any financial support. The proposal was made by the regent Prince Mshiyeni who held the position for the young heir Prince Bhekuzulu, the late king Zwelithini's father, who eventually ascended to the throne in 1948. The collection at the time was 25c per person.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
KZN Treasury side-steps additional funding for Reed Dance festival venue-change ordered by King Misuzulu
King Misuzulu has moved this year's Reed Dance festival from Enyokeni palace to Mashobeni Palace. Image: Bongani Mbatha/ Independent Newspapers KwaZulu-Natal's Treasury said it will not provide additional funding for this year's Reed Dance festival to compensate for the extra costs incurred by king Misuzulu kaZwelithini's decision to move the event away from the R140 million amphitheatre at Enyokeni royal palace. It came as a surprise when the king announced at the weekend that the September event will be held at Mashobeni Palace in Pongola in the north-east of the province, and not the recently completed 2,000 capacity Enyokeni amphitheatre, which had been built to accommodate guests attending the event. The move meant that the government may need extra funding to cater for VIP marquees and toilets, which would not be necessary if the festival remained at the original venue. However, Finance MEC Francois Rodgers dismissed fears that the cash-strapped provincial government would have to bear the additional costs. The department's spokesperson Nkosikhona Duma said it will be up to the department of Arts and Culture as well as the Office of the Premier to reprioritise their budgets to accommodate the venue swop. 'MEC Rodgers posits that the provincial fiscus is constrained, therefore no additional funds will be provided for this move. The MEC continues with efforts to ensure that the AmaZulu Royal household gets to a position of self-sustenance so that it may play a role in funding moves of a similar kind,' said Duma. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ An official from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said the department had pushed contractors to finish the Enyokeni project early as the venue was already accommodated in the budget and it was declared ready for the September event on Friday. The provincial government through the Public Works department spent R140 on building the amphitheatre at Enyokeni. The R140 million Enyokeni Royal Precinct building, which can house 2,000 guests, was expected to be used for this year's Reed Dance festival. Image: Willem Phungula The dome-designed structure was requested by Misuzulu's father, the late King Goodwill Zwelithini for the purpose of the reed dance and has facilities which do not require the hiring of VIP marquees or toilets. The government was expected to bear the extra cost of makeshift pavilion seating at Mashobeni, where maidens and the public will gather for the king's address, after the presentation of reeds by the maidens. In defending his venue-change decision, the king said he was honouring Queen Nandi and King Shaka, who had a palace in the area. 'I am aware that many are used to this event being held in eNyokeni. Today, I wish to announce that the event will now be held here at Mashobeni palace on 12 to 14 September. We are sorry to those who wanted the event to continue at Enyokeni palace. My decision is in line with the fact that Queen Nandi and King Shaka lived here so it's important to revive his palace,' said Misuzulu at the weekend. KZN Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Martin Meyer, said he had noted the announcement made by the king to move the ceremony to Mashobeni royal residence, however, he said his department was just an implementing agent as per the mandate given on each project by a client department. 'In this matter the client was the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture along with the Office of The Premier. Therefore any queries would be best placed before those offices.' Arts and Culture spokesperson Ntando Mnyando said his department could not say anything further about the decision as its' duty is to organise events wherever the king and royal family want them to be. The Premier's Office was yet to comment on the matter. The royal family's spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu had also not commented on Treasury's announcement.
IOL News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
KZN Treasury will not provide additional funding for Reed Dance festival after King Misuzulu changes venue
King Misuzulu has moved this year's Reed Dance festival from Enyokeni palace to Mashobeni Palace. Image: Bongani Mbatha/ Independent Newspapers KwaZulu-Natal Treasury says it will not provide additional funding for this year's Reed Dance festival to cater for the extra cost created by king Misuzulu kaZwelithini's decision to move the event away from the R140 million amphitheatre at Enyokeni royal palace. In a surprise move, the king at the weekend announced that the September event will be held at Mashobeni Palace in Pongola in the north-east of the province and not the recently completed 2,000 capacity Enyokeni amphitheatre which had been built to accommodate guests attending the event. The move meant that the government may need extra funding to cater for VIP marquees and toilets, which would not be necessary if the festival remained at the original venue. However, Finance MEC Francois Rodgers dismissed any fears that the cash-strapped provincial government will bear additional costs. The department's spokesperson Nkosikhona Duma said it will be up to the department of Arts and Culture as well as the Office of the Premier to reprioritise their budgets to accommodate this move. 'MEC Rodgers posits that the provincial fiscus is constrained, therefore no additional funds will be provided for this move. The MEC continues with efforts to ensure that the AmaZulu Royal household gets to a position of self-sustenance so that it may play a role in funding moves of a similar kind,' said Duma. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading An official from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said the department had pushed contractors to finish the Enyokeni project early as the venue was already accommodated in the budget and it was declared ready for the event on Friday. The provincial government through the Public Works department has just completed a massive amphitheatre at Enyokeni which cost the taxpayers R140 million. It was expected to be used for this year's reed dance event. The R140 million Enyokeni Royal Precinct building, which can house 2,000 guests, was expected to be used for this year's Reed Dance festival. Image: Willem Phungula The dome-designed structure was requested by Misuzulu's father, the late King Goodwill Zwelithini for the purpose of the reed dance and has facilities which do not require the hiring of VIP marquees or toilets. The government is expected to bear the extra cost of makeshift pavilion seating at Mashobeni, where maidens and the public will gather for the king's address after the presentation of reeds by the maidens. Defending his decision, the king said he was honouring Queen Nandi and King Shaka who had a palace in the area. The king said that by building the palace there, he was reviving Shaka's palace as well as his legacy. 'I am aware that many are used to this event being held in eNyokeni. Today, I wish to announce that the event will now be held here at Mashobeni palace on 12 to 14 September. We are sorry to those who wanted the event to continue at Enyokeni palace. My decision is in line with the fact that Queen Nandi and King Shaka lived here so it's important to revive his palace,' said Misuzulu at the weekend. KZN Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Martin Meyer, said he had noted the announcement made by the king to move the ceremony to Mashobeni royal residence, however, he said his department was just an implementing agent as per the mandate given on each project by a client department. 'In this matter the client was the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture along with the Office of The Premier. Therefore any queries would be best placed before those offices.' Arts and Culture spokesperson Ntando Mnyando said his department could not say anything further about the decision as its' duty is to organise events wherever the king and royal family want them to be. The Premier's Office is yet to comment on the matter. The royal family's spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu had also not commented on Treasury's announcement.
