As KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers prepares to table his budget next week, king Misuzulu kaZwelithini has indicated that he wants a new palace and a larger vehicle fleet from the provincial government.

This was revealed by the king’s representative, prince Gumbela Zulu after his meeting with the king on Wednesday.

Zulu said the king told him that the new palace and additional vehicles to complement the existing fleet, are his priorities for this year.

Zulu said the king also wants the government to help build the incomplete Mashobeni royal palace in Pongola in the north-east of the province - Misuzulu has already started the project with his own funds.

The Mashobeni royal palace currently has a few thatched rondavels and during a recent imbizo to discuss Ithala and Ingonyama Trust matters, the royal family had to erect several marquees to accommodate their guests. The costs are expected to run to several millions of rands.

“The king has started building his new palace with his own funds, therefore he wants the government to finish it. His Majesty also expressed concerns over the shortage of his official vehicles so he wants the MEC to add more vehicles,” said Zulu.

Last year, the king was allocated R77 million, a R2 million decrease from the previous year.

This was in line with the government’s austerity measures.

The king’s security detail has also been recently trimmed, apparently due to the austerity measures the provincial government was forced to implement.

Last year, the king cancelled his trip to Malawi at the last minute after the provincial government refused to bear the costs of about 300 amabutho (warriors) the king wanted to accompany him.

The provincial government is also responsible for the king’s cultural activities including the annual King Shaka’s Day and Reed Dance ceremonies.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za