Transforming the Zulu Royal House Trust: Lessons from the Royal Bafokeng Nation
Pictured is Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. The KwaZulu-Natal Zulu Royal House Trust (ZRHT) will receive R86 million in the next financial year (FY) 2025 and 2026 from the Office of the Premier (OTP).
Image: File
Discussions are underway to model the KwaZulu-Natal Zulu Royal House Trust (ZRHT) to a self-sustaining revenue generator similar to the Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) in the North West Province.
This was mentioned when KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli announced that the ZRHT will receive R86 million in the financial year (FY) 2025 and 2026 from the Office of the Premier (OTP) budget of R817 million.
The RBN is a Setswana-speaking traditional community and ethnic homeland in South Africa. Tim Brauteseth, MPL – DA KZN spokesperson on Finance and the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) said that money will ensure provision of administration, maintenance, and management of the assets of the ZRHT, including the Royal palaces and farms.
Speaking at the KZN Legislature on Thursday, Brauteseth said the committee notes with grave concern the continuous failure by the ZRHT to implement fundraising. Brauteseth said the Trust was established mainly for this purpose.
Brauteseth said all political parties in the Portfolio Committee speak in unison that vigorous oversight needs to be performed to ensure this happens. The committee requested timelines for this, and the appointment of a new Board of Trustees after operating for almost a year without a Board.
'A sum of R3.6 million was allocated to the Trust in 2018 with the sole purpose of investigating ways to make the Royal Household self-sustaining and indeed a source of its own revenue for the province. This investment has remained largely unrealised. Year after year this issue is raised and year after year excuses are made and little is done,' Brauteseth said.
Brauteseth said the right team has not been assembled for this task. Brauteseth said this has to be an area of intense focus in the next year and the portfolio committee must be relentless in this pursuit.
'There are numerous monarchies and communities across the world who have decided to utilise their assets to ensure self-sustainability and assure their long-term future,' Brauteseth said.
Brauteseth told the legislature that the RBN is a success story of a traditionally governed community that strategically leveraged its wealth from platinum mining to achieve sustainable social development and build a strong investment portfolio.
'Situated on one of the world's largest platinum reserves, the RBN transformed mining royalties into a diversified investment vehicle, Royal Bafokeng Holdings which funds social programs and community projects. This community-based investment approach has enabled them to improve living conditions, support education and healthcare, and build a strong institutional framework,' Brauteseth said.
Brauteseth said RBN made strategic land acquisitions including through missionary intermediaries, to secure their resource rights and received significant royalties from mining companies, which are then invested through RBH.
Brauteseth said that RBH has invested in community projects like the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, the Kgosi Leruo High-Performance Centre, and the Royal Bafokeng Institute.
Brauteseth said the Royal Household must realise the potential of its assets for the benefit of not only the Monarchy but all of the citizens of KZN.
Ntuli said they were in the process of reviewing the ZRHT act and appointing a new board.
'We will be doing a benchmarking visit to the Royal Bafokeng Nation once the board has been constituted. We have used it as one that we need to match with what is being practiced in our province. The Trust land can unearth equity and development returns for the communities that reside on Ingonyama Trust Land,' Ntuli said.
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
ANC KZN leaders criticise councillors over municipal failures
KwaZulu Natal ANC task team convener Jeff Radebe speaking at the ANC KZN Alliance Local Government and Service Delivery Summit held in Coastlands Hotel on Durban's South Beach on Sunday. Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers The ANC leadership in KwaZulu-Natal has read the riot act to councillors regarding the state of municipalities in the province, warning that elected officials must take their oversight responsibilities seriously. Going forward, they will be held accountable for governance failures in councils, the leadership warned. ANC convener Jeff Radebe called on councillors to be well-informed about council matters. He stated that active participation is vital for transparency, efficient service delivery, and curbing corruption and mismanagement at the local level. Radebe made these remarks while delivering his address at the Alliance Local Government and Service Delivery Summit this weekend. 'The ANC must take stock of the state of governance in our municipal councils. The 2026 municipal elections are upon us. We have so little time and so much work to do,' Radebe said. 'We gather at a time when our municipalities are at a crossroads. Progress is evident, yes, but so too are the challenges that will test our collective resolve. As leadership, we share the responsibility of turning this situation around,' he continued. He detailed some of the challenges, noting that capital expenditure stood at R4.8 billion (31.9%) lower than the 50% target. Conditional grants to municipalities totalled R8.2 billion, with only R3.6 billion (36.7%) spent. The critical Municipal Infrastructure Grant of R3.6 billion had only been spent by 39.7%, while the Water Services Infrastructure Grant of R1.1 billion had only been spent by 44.1%. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'These inordinate delays have robbed our people of essential services. This province is crying out for much-needed municipal infrastructure and water provision. These statistics are shocking. This is a sorry tale,' he continued. 'Urgent intervention is required in debt management, budget accuracy, and compliance with financial reporting requirements. Let us raise the critical oversight and monitoring responsibilities of Exco members and councils. Exco councillors are part of the political executive and are responsible for policy implementation and oversight of specific portfolios, similar to Ministers and MECs. 'Each Exco councillor oversees a specific department and is individually responsible for monitoring departmental performance and ensuring alignment with the Integrated Development Plan and Budget,' said Radebe. He emphasised that councillors are responsible for monitoring service delivery, ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and effectively in line with municipal policies. Mayors and councils must report regularly on departmental performance and intervene when targets are not met, he said. Councillors must take immediate action on remedial measures once they identify problems in service delivery or maladministration, Radebe stated emphasising that they represented the broader public and act as a bridge between communities and the municipality. 'Every ANC cadre who serves as a councillor must engage with residents to report service delivery issues. You must facilitate community meetings, report back, and channel community concerns into council processes through your ANC Caucus. You must ensure that these concerns are addressed by the municipality in which you serve,' he added.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
R1. 4bn wasted: Sapo's epic failure
THE SA Post Office (Sapo) has been declared financially 'unsustainable' and riddled with systemic mismanagement. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives THE SA Post Office (Sapo) has been declared financially 'unsustainable' and riddled with systemic mismanagement after receiving its fourth consecutive failed audit opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), sparking outrage from MPs who demanded answers on why the failing institution keeps consuming public money. AGSA's damning report, presented to Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) on June 11, exposed: R152 million lost to fruitless and irregular spending in 2023/24, with R136 million dismissed without repercussions. A dismal 13% achievement rate on performance targets, despite a R381m bailout from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for staff salaries. R86 million paid to business rescue practitioners (BRPs) and advisors since 2023, with little progress to show. No stable leadership, severe staff shortages, and repeated violations of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). AGSA officials delivered a stark verdict: Sapo is being propped up by taxpayer funds. 'Costs keep outstripping income. Debts are mounting, and the organisation isn't earning enough to survive,' said AGSA's Makhai Motshekga. ActionSA's Alan Beesley was more blunt: 'It's time to pull the plug. Sapo cannot be saved.' The BRPs, brought in July 2023, have already burned through R86m, including payments to consultants, tax experts, and lawyers. The EFF's Ntombovuyo Mente-Nkuna demanded answers: 'Who are these advisors? What have they actually fixed? We can't keep throwing money at a sinking ship.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ AGSA's Nathan Lawnet said the BRPs — from firms SNG and Legae — were 'qualified' but admitted survival depends on 'new income sources and partnerships,' which still don't exist. MPs pressed AGSA on Sapo's unaccounted-for assets, with Mente-Nkuna noting rural branch closures force grant recipients to travel far. 'How many buildings does Sapo still control? Why aren't they helping our communities?' she asked. AGSA confirmed Sapo owns properties and old equipment, but said almost nothing has been upgraded in years. Postbank's separation from Sapo — required by banking laws — has created confusion. Though Postbank is now audited independently, it still depends on Sapo's failing systems. ANC's Gijimani Skosana warned: 'Postbank once helped fund Sapo. Now, both are drowning.' Wasteful spending continues unchecked, with R200m squandered since 2021. Mente-Nkuna slammed the impunity: 'R136 million just written off? Who checked this? Who was held responsible?' AGSA admitted probes were lacking, blaming write-offs on debt settlements, not internal crackdowns.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal Youth Parliament calls for curriculum reform to meet global job demands
Deputy Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Mmabatho Tembe, has called on the youth of the province to rise to the challenges of the present by equipping themselves with skills, strategy, and innovation when she officially opened the 2025 Youth Parliament. Image: KZN Legislature Speakers at the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Parliament (YP), held on Friday, called for the education curriculum to be revised to meet the current global employment demands, such as digital technology. The theme for the Youth Parliament 2025 was: Skills for the Changing World: Bridging the Gap through Education, Skills Development, and Entrepreneurship. Mmabatho Tembe, the Deputy Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, called on the youth of the province to rise to the challenges of the present by equipping themselves with skills, strategy, and innovation. Tembe said: 'This Parliament is not just a date on the calendar; it is a platform for voices that are often sidelined. It is a space for the youth to express, engage, and demand accountability from those entrusted with power. 'Our generation must now rise not with stones, but with skills. Not with slogans alone, but with strategy. And that begins with transforming how we educate and empower our youth.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Youth leagues representing several political parties expressed their views. Lethani Ndumo, of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), said that equipping people with the relevant skills will contribute to the economy of the country. He said there was limited access to quality education, limited job opportunities, and skills were not matching employment demand. According to Ndumo, the lack of jobs led to frustration and high levels of crime. He stated that for 30 years, the government has consistently mentioned inadequate budgets to address challenges facing the youth, yet has spent millions of rand on renting buildings instead of investing in its infrastructure. Ndumo said there were challenges facing students in higher education systems, including not being accepted into universities or being allowed to receive in-service training. Zandile Ndlovu, of the IFP, called for a curriculum review that is substantial and in touch with the needs of the social and economic demands. 'It should be transformative and progressive, equipping young people with skills that are of national importance and meet global demand. We see the need for innovative learning and entrepreneurship as a valuable career path. Incorporating entrepreneurship into the curriculum can foster creativity and innovation,' Ndlovu said. Representing the Democratic Alliance, Daniel Mea said the YP is meant to be a platform of serious engagement, and young people were not a tick box exercise to be acknowledged once a year. 'Graduates stay home while their qualifications gather dust. Enough of the ceremonial forums and youth formations being silenced after a photo is taken. If this Parliament can meet weekly, why does the Youth Parliament meet once a year?' he asked. Nkokhelo Msomi, a National Freedom Party (NFP) member, said the world is changing at a fast rate with technology, climate change, and a global shift in economies, and yet South African education and training institutes remain stuck in the past. He stated that the bridge to the future must be built on three strong pillars: education, skills development, and entrepreneurship. 'This has left many of us, especially in rural areas, unemployed, underqualified, and overlooked. Education must evolve, and we need to learn what is relevant. Rural youth are leaving school with certificates that cannot connect them to the economy. We need clear guidance and digital literacy introduced from Grade 8 and more colleges in rural towns like Nongoma,' he said.
