Celani Sikhakhane
The KwaZulu-Natal government has pulled out of funding events of the Zulu Royal household because of the ongoing fight for the Zulu throne.
In March, Premier Sihle Zikalala announced a budget of R66 million for the King.
But the money has not been released.
Usually, the KZN government, through the Department of Arts and Culture, spends millions on the Zulu annual events, which include the Reed Dance, King Shaka commemoration, Isandlwane Anglo Zulu War commemoration, UMkhosi wokweShwama and many others.
This year’s Reed Dance, that took place on Saturday at the Ngwavuma Machobeni Royal Palace, was financed by IFP-led Jozini and Hlabisa Big Five local municipalities.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who delivered his maiden speech at the ceremony for maidens, indirectly attacked the government’s decision to snub the Reed Dance. He recalled the apartheid government’s handling of royal events.
“When this event was started 37 years ago, the government never supported it,” said Misuzulu.
Prince Thulani Zulu confirmed that the provincial government told his office that they won’t fund any royal events until the fight over the throne is over.
King Misuzulu also paid tribute to his parents for their role in developing young girls through the Reed Dance.
When the Reed Dance was started in 1984, King Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu used the ceremony to take his fifth wife, Queen Nompumelelo Mchiza of eNyokeni Royal Palace.
The Reed Dance on Saturday was supposed to be led by all five wives of the Late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu. But none of them were there, flying the flag for the rebels in the family who are against the decision to appoint King Misuzulu.
They were supposed to lead the 37 candle lighting process but they all decided to snub the event too.
The king told the maidens not to panic about the current situation that is taking place in the royal court.
Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, chair of the provincial house for traditional leadership, told attendees that no one should be confused about the feud at the Zulu Royal family.
“We all know who our king is, therefore whatever is taking place in the royal family should not confuse us,” said Chiliza.
