Celani Sikhakhane brings you KwaZulu-Natal’s latest news.
Pietermaritzburg: The budget for King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and the Zulu Royal Household has been increased to R93.5 million for the 2026/27 financial year, following an outcry last year after the royal budget was depleted before the end of the financial year.
The announcement was made by KZN Premier Thami Ntuli during the Royal Household’s budget vote at the KZN Legislature on Wednesday. Last year, a dispute arose between the King and Premier Ntuli over the payment of legal fees for the King’s Constitutional Court case, in which Prince Simakade kaZwelithini challenged his recognition to the throne by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The King had threatened a public address on the matter, which Ntuli asked him to withdraw. Around R1.5 million was later paid towards the King’s legal fees.
A separate dispute followed over the King’s trip to Britain, where he was accompanied by royal family members, including Queen Sihle kaMdluli of eMashobeni Royal Palace. The R6 million spent on that trip led to the removal of acting Director-General Dr Nkosenye Zulu from the Office of the Premier. Further tension followed when the provincial government refused to fund the King’s trip to the United Arab Emirates, saying the R80 million royal budget had already been exhausted. Ntuli said the increased allocation is intended to help the Royal Household work towards self-sustainability, without relying on government funding.
Vryheid: The Vryheid Regional Court has sentenced Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, 29, to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty, in terms of Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Act, to one count of rape and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The offences were committed in April 2023 against two colleagues, a man and a woman, who were unknown to the accused. On their way to work, the complainants were accosted by three men, including Mkhwanazi, who were armed with a firearm and knives. The men robbed the complainants of their belongings before raping the female complainant, then fled the scene. The complainants were taken to hospital for treatment, and the incident was reported to police.
Durban: President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the Special Economic Zones Achievement Awards Gala Dinner at the Durban International Convention Centre on Thursday afternoon.
The event celebrates the achievements of South Africa’s 12 designated Special Economic Zones and their contribution to industrialisation, investment attraction, exports, job creation, skills development, technology transfer and sustainable economic growth.
Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, whose budget has been increased to R93.5 million.
Image source: EFF
