The irony was almost lost on the Zulu King, who chose plush surroundings and an expensive dinner party to declare his dissatisfaction of ‘only’ receiving R50m a year.
At his 69th birthday, he was showered with gifts such as expensive wine, livestock, and the heads of several cattle – then announced he was planning an even fancier bash for his 70th next year.
Probably explains why he needs more money, hey?
The monarch showed us all the humility he is famous for… by reminding everyone how lucky they were to have him as a ruler as he plays a very important role in South African society.
It’s this reasoning that meant ‘his subjects’ would foot the bill for the gala dinner. An interesting tactic, and one that I might try myself the next time I go to Cattle Baron.
The main reason King Zwelithini is seeking a larger budget is so he can build a showpiece church in Nongoma where he can ‘pray on behalf of the nation’. He wants to welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds to worship on the church grounds.
The current King is accredited with being the longest serving monarch of the Zulu nation, as well as being the oldest royal to actively rule.
I suppose R50 million can go a long way, then?