The Inkatha Freedom Party is deeply concerned about the manner in which the affairs of His Majesty the King and the Royal Family are being administered.
“Our concern goes back to the time when the Department of the Royal Household was reduced to a mere Chief Directorate in the Office of the Premier. We knew from that time that it was a political move to obliterate the Kingship in KwaZulu-Natal.
It is amazing that while the positive influence of His Majesty in placing KwaZulu-Natal on the map as a tourist destination as well as attracting investors, he does not receive the support needed. We have been informed that his office is being rendered dysfunctional due to a lack of basic supplies such as stationery and other resources. It has also come to our attention that His Majesty’s vehicles are stationed in Pietermaritzburg and that when they are required for royal duties, a requisition has to be made and then the vehicles travel about 400km single to Nongoma and then travel back to be parked off in Pietermaritzburg. We are serious when we call for cost-cutting measures and a curtailment of extravagance and corruption, but we cannot remain silent when His Majesty is being treated in this manner” said IFP Leader in the KwaZulu-Natal, Hon Blessed Gwala MPL.
“Whilst this government talks of free education for all, we are shocked to know that bursaries for His Majesty’s children will be reduced and that his grandchildren will not benefit. We would like to know what other services have been removed after the Department of the Royal Household was reduced to a Chief Directorate. There is also serious concern about the dilapidated state of the royal residences due to a lack of maintenance and renovation.
One would remember that during the time of the KwaZulu Government the status of His Majesty was held in high esteem but now royalty in KwaZulu-Natal is being trampled upon by the Office of the Premier. We are truly uncomfortable with the manner in which His Majesty is being treated.
I have raised this matter in the portfolio committee today and will pursue it as we are calling on the Premier and the Acting Director General to act in this matter and review what the department is doing and how it is treating His Majesty and the Royal Family”, concluded Hon Gwala.
Issued by:
Mr Blessed Gwala MPL, IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, 078 290 5842
Media Enquiries:
Mr Phendulani Biyase, IFP KZN Legislature Media Officer, 073 024 5675
