The Honourable Chairman
Deputy Chairman
Members of the Executive Council
Members of the Provincial Legislature
Members of the Royal Family
Mayors and Councilors
Amakhosi Present
Acting Director-General and Heads of Department
Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
The People of KwaZulu-Natal
May I start by thanking ISILO Samabandla, His Majesty, for his inspiring speech during the opening of the provincial legislature on the 21st February 2011. His message was loud and clear and reverberated throughout the country.
ISILO reminded us that as members of parliament we are the servants of the people and we serve at their pleasure; while he also made a strong plea for the creation of a spirit of reconciliation. This was a touching message, based as it was on the personal experiences and tragedies that befell the members of the Royal Household in the past decade.
Role of the monarchy
The roles and responsibilities of the institution of Monarchy are adapted from the history of the pre-colonial Kingdoms as well as the legal provisions of various regimes that have governed our country over the years. For KwaZulu-Natal, the Interim Constitution directed that this role be defined in the Provincial Constitution. However this was not possible, though this was achieved through the enactment of a provincial legislation: The KwaZulu-Natal Traditional Leadership and Governance Act, No. 5 of 2005.
This legislation defines the existence of the institution referred to as the Traditional Monarchy, with roles and responsibilities.
The Monarch must uphold the National Constitution and the laws of KwaZulu-Natal and recognise the unique and diverse heritage and culture of the people of KwaZulu-Natal. The Monarch further strives to represent a symbol of unity to the people of KwaZulu-Natal; and promote peace, stability and nation building.
Apart from powers, responsibilities and functions that are conferred by legislation, the Monarch may, in addition to any traditional or ceremonial role, open or address sessions of the Provincial Legislature, Municipal Councils, Intergovernmental Forums, the Local and Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders.
ISILO presides over the customary ceremony of ‘ukuthela amanzi’ and the ceremony for the installation of amakhosi in the province.
The Monarch as the custodian of customs and culture, a symbol of unity of the people of KwaZulu-Natal, strives to maintain peace, stability, tolerance, and respect for diversity of cultures and religions and nation building. The Monarch remains above party politics as the father of all the people.
Fourty years of dedicated service to all people
The year 2011 symbolises the fortieth Anniversary of the installation of the Monarch in 1971, a position ascended to at the youthful age of twenty-three years. Several celebratory events will be hosted in honour of the Monarch for the dedicated service to all the people of this province and beyond its borders. Through humility and compassion, the incumbent has generated much love and admiration from our people and the friends that ISILO has built for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
The Monarch has discharged the responsibilities mentioned above with distinction, and has spread a spirit of ‘goodwill’ through the force of his welcoming mannerism and open acceptance of all people. He has been available for consultation with all Members of the Provincial and National governments, offering wise counsel to guide leaders on various issues as they serve the nation.
ISILO remains available to support all departmental programmes of service delivery, and thereby improves the appeal to, and support from, the community. Thus the Monarch has stood out above many as the champion for social transformation and the campaigner for rural development, fighting poverty, promotion of self sufficiency amongst people. This has resulted in ISILO receiving numerous invitations to grace functions amongst business, religious, sporting, and traditional bodies, and many diverse communities.
Many have approached the Monarch to request that his office lend its name in support of philanthropic and welfare causes for the poor, the frail, the disabled and vulnerable groups.
The Monarch has spoken out strongly in opposition to political violence that once engulfed our region, standing out to preach peace and reconciliation in support of party leaders that led the processes of resolving conflicts. This was the major contribution in the restoration of normality, as he appealed to opposing forces to see themselves as one people and members of one family. This approach was again emphasised as the Monarch took up a campaign to fight against xenophobia.
Recently, I issued a media statement confirming the recent visits by the ISILO to Libya at the invitation of Muammar Gadaffi. I indicated that no state funds were utilised as the trips were private. ISILO was however keen to take the public to confidence to reveal that there were attempts to persuade him to endorse Gadaffi as the King of Kings in Africa which he rejected as a matter of principle. The matter was well publicised and I have attached the relevant press release for information.
It is however most important for us to commend ISILO for standing firmly and courageously to resist all persuasion and luring by the Libyan Leader, and return with the dignity of our country and our people intact. This is a mark of the heroes that occupied that office in the history of our people – always demonstrating resoluteness and a principled stand against all odds.
We salute you, SILO Samabandla! Bayede!
The incumbent can be said to have maintained the dignity of this office and represented both the people and the institution impeccably.
He has played a significant role in the creation of bridges of communication with different sectors of our society, not confined to residents of this province alone.
ISILO has led delegations to create strong ties and relations with people from many countries, promoting business and cultural links and promoting KwaZulu-Natal as a destination for both tourism and massive investments. Whenever he visited a country or received a foreign delegation, the plight of our people was paramount. The Monarch has hosted many delegations from foreign governments, Royalties and Chieftaincies in Africa and beyond. This year several invitations will be honoured on outbound trips as well.
ISILO hosted Royal delegations from Cote de Voire, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda during the royal ceremonies which have become part of the provincial tourism calendar. ISILO was the draw card in hosting various Royal representatives such as Queen Sofia and the Prince from Spain, as well as Ambassadors and government Ministers who were hosted during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.
As a matter of record, the Monarch has been the longest reigning Monarch in the history of Zulu Kings since King Shaka, the Great. He embodies a spirit of blessing in the tranquility never experienced for many years amongst the people of this region.
In recognition of such meritorious service, several high profile activities will be hosted to celebrate this legacy, under the code name 23-40, to reflect this significance. These will kick off with a visit in April by ISILO on a ceremony to welcome the people of uMzimkhulu into KwaZulu-Natal. The celebration will be in the form of visits to different communities to support the needy, the sickly or in strengthening service delivery programmes led by the various Members of the Executive.
Nation building through tradition
The friendly and amicable disposition of ISILO has created a strong spirit of friendship amongst many people of KwaZulu-Natal, and strengthened the harmonious coexistence of different community groups. The message of nation building, human rights, human values and moral regeneration remain part of the enduring theme of his public addresses. The strong message of fighting crime and substance abuse and rehabilitation of offenders is always unmistakable. Such messages are often part of the theme during the Heritage Day celebrations, and King Shaka commemorative events that are increasingly attended by guests from all communities to listen to the addresses by the king.
ISILO has led a spirited campaign against the HIV and AIDS pandemic. This can be traced back to the mid-eighties when this topic was not fashionable. The traditional ceremony of ‘Umhlanga’ was revived to strengthen life skills training for young girls, while using the traditional approaches to encourage intergenerational discourse on sexuality and reproductive health, on a subject considered to be taboo in conservative communities. The effectiveness of the approach can be judged by the tens of thousands of participants and spectators at this ceremony – which has assisted to defer the maidens’ sexual debut, promoted abstinence as a campaign to reduce unplanned pregnancies and HIV infection.
Over a year ago, while presiding over the male dominated ceremony of ‘Umkhosi Wokweshwama’ or ‘Umkhosi Woselwa’, ISILO made a call for the restoration of the ritual of circumcision. The ceremony was revived and adapted from the past in which the nation celebrated the first harvest.
This programme, referred to as the Male Medical Circumcision, has been widely welcomed as an important contribution in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Apart from the national Minister of Health, the Deputy President in his capacity as the chairperson of the AIDS Council of South Africa, ISILO received congratulatory messages of support from the Eminent Persons Group led by former Presidents Festus Mogae of Botswana, and Joachim Chissano of Mozambique, who personally came to meet with the Monarch.
The Nhlapho Commission Report
The Nhlapho Commission was established to institute an investigation into the authenticity of various claims to kingship and chieftaincy as well as establish the correct lineage of the current Kings and Amakhosi, in order to settle all the disputes.
While there have been drastic findings in some of the provinces, in KwaZulu-Natal the Commission confirmed that the kingship existed in the history of the Zulu people. Nhlapho further confirmed that the incumbent is the true heir of the Kingship position that has been transferred from father to son from King Mpande.
This was good news indeed, putting to an end any speculation, especially the wild claims to kingship that had dominated media space without justification. As part of the 23-40 celebration, a ceremony will be hosted in July around the King’s birthday celebration, wherein a certificate signed by His Execellency. President Zuma will be handed to the Monarch. This will mark permanent closure of this subject.
Programmes
Chairperson, I have taken time to outline the significance of the office of the Monarch. Lack of appreciation of the reason for the existence of the Royal Household Department may result in misguided comments regarding this institution which is a part of our modern democratic dispensation. I will now give an overview of the programme of the Royal Household Department which has the following programme structure:
- Programme one: Administration (Support Services and Transformation)
- Programme two: Royal Household (Planning and Development)
- Programme three: His Majesty (King’s Farms)
Royal Household Trust
In December 2009, the Office of the Premier approached National Treasury regarding the listing of the Royal Trust as a public entity in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA() and it is anticipated that the listing will be finalised in 2011/12. As an interim measure, the Royal Trust is now operating as an entity established in terms of the KZN Royal Trust Act, 2007.
During the financial year 2010/11, we focused on the Royal Trust. Already five Board members were appointed, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). To this end, the Board of the Royal Trust is fully functional. Financial policies and guidelines for the Trust were also finalised during this financial year.
During the transition period, pending the full establishment of the Royal Trust, the department continued with its routine activities, such as administrative support to His Majesty, the King, maintenance of palaces and farming activities. In the 2010/11 Adjustments Estimate, the first transfer payments were made to the Royal Trust.
Funds were moved from various categories, such as Compensation of employees, Goods and services for operational purposes and to facilitate the setting up of the Royal Trust, including the remuneration of the CEO and five Board members. Funds were also transferred for the running costs of the Royal Household, including municipal costs, fuel, food including food supplies in respect of His Majesty’s Queens, and other members of the Royal Family. It should be noted that the original purpose of these funds was not changed, but they are now merely administered by the Royal Trust.
In 2010/11, the department had budgeted for the retrenchment of 68 staff members, who were in excess in the establishment. All of the employees in question provide domestic and related services, such as cleaning and gardening, to the Royal Family. This retrenchment did not go ahead in 2010/11 due to the department awaiting the Royal Trust to be fully operational.
The newly established Royal Trust Board is in the process of reviewing the organogram and, once this is finalised, it will be decided which of these staff are to be retained, and which are to be retrenched. New policies were developed to administer the expenses of the palaces, and other expenses of the Royal Trust. New policies were developed by the Royal Trust to correctly control expenditure.
On discussion with the Office of the Auditor General, it has become clear that the Trust will need further redefinition and possible exemptions from the PFMA. This arises in the context that the Trust should be empowered to generate revenue freely and make payments necessary for the unique nature of this office, which may be correct and justifiable but not properly covered in the PFMA; such as expenditure that may be defined as either personal or in pursuance of customary activities.
The department continued to draft the protocol manual, regarding the activities of the Royal Household, and it is anticipated that this manual will be completed in the first half of 2011/12.
Following the establishment of the Royal Trust Board in 2010/11, the first-phase of the transition toward the Royal Trust will continue in 2011/12, with palace support staff moving from Programme 2: Royal Household Planning and Development to the Royal Trust.
The second-phase of the transition will take place over the longer-term (latter part of the MTEF period), with staff, including all farm workers, being moved from Programme three: His Majesty, the King’s Farms, to the Royal Trust.
The ultimate objective over the Vote 10 is to have only one budget programme, with two sub-programmes, namely the King’s Office Support Services and Royal Trust. The King’s Office Support Services sub-programme will cater only for the administrative costs in respect of His Majesty, the King, including the salaries of all support staff to His Majesty, His Majesty’s salary, and other associated costs, such as His Majesty’s subsistence and travel costs.
All costs relating to the remainder of the Royal Family (His Majesty’s Queens’, school fees, transport, etc), as well as the maintenance of palaces and all farming activities, will be administered by the Royal Trust, under the sub-programme: Royal Trust.
The total budget for the Royal Household Department for the 2011/12 financial year is R55 028 million. I will now give an overview of the programme.
Programme 1: Administration
(Support Services to His Majesty): R39,489 million:
The purpose of this programme is to provide administrative and auxiliary services to His Majesty, the King and the Royal Family. It is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that His Majesty, the King and the Royal Family execute the mandate as provided in the legislation. It is also responsible for the development and protection of the Monarchy as a provincial brand, and also houses the transfers to the Royal Trust.
This programme now consists of two sub-programmes. The sub-programme: King’s Office Support Services caters for all costs in respect of His Majesty, the King, such as the salary of His Majesty, the King and all administrative costs. The sub-programme: Royal Trust caters for the operational costs of the Royal Trust, as well as running costs of the Royal Household, in respect of His Majesty’s Queens and the rest of the Royal Family, as well as the running costs of the farms over the last part of the meduim term expenditure framework (MTEF).
During 2011/12, His Majesty, the King will continue to install Amakhosi, host the First Fruits ceremony and the Reed Dance ceremony, among others, and promote the integration of many communities into the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
Programme 2: Royal Household
(Planning and Development): R11,931 million:
The programme is responsible for the overall maintenance of the Royal Household infrastructure. The department plans to focus on required renovations and maintenance to all seven of the Royal residences, for which additional funding was provided over the 2011/12 MTEF. This includes total renovation, upgrading and refurbishment, emergency repairs to both the inside and outside of the palaces, as well as providing for water reticulation systems inside each of the palaces, and landscaping.
Programme 3: His Majesty (King’s Farms)
(His Majesty the King’s Farms): R3,608 million:
This programme is responsible for the operation and maintenance of His Majesty, the King’s farms. This project was developed to ensure commercial viability and revenue generation. As mentioned above, feasibility studies of His Majesty, the King’s Farms were completed by the DAEARD. The department is planning to roll-out the findings of these studies in 2011/12, and will commence with the full commercialisation of three of His Majesty’s farms, which are considered to be commercially viable to move towards sustainability.
Significant work lies ahead in creating viable enterprises to augment the resources of the Royal Household, and reduce direct reliance on the fiscus, though from this report, value for money is well demonstrated.
Plans are afoot to develop the Royal Household as a significant tourism product, including the development of a Royal Museum to house archival information, historical artifacts and rebuilding palaces to match the desired purpose. The Heritage Unit and Amafa Akwa Zulu-Natal will continue to enrich such heritage sites as Isandlwana (recently visited by President Zuma and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda) and Emakhosini Valley, to become irresistible sites for tourist in this region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I must express my gratitude to ISILO and the Royal Household for the warm and wonderful working relationship with the Office of the Premier.
I want to express my deepest appreciation to my colleagues, the Members of the Provincial Executive Council, for their support as well as the Head of Department of Royal Household, Mr Roger Govender; the Chairperson of the Royal Household Trust Judge Ngwenya; the CEO, Mr Luthuli, and members of staff, in ensuring the transformation of the Royal Household Department.
I now formally wish to table Vote 10 with a budget of R55,028 million before the Legislature.
Unwele olude Silo Samabandla!
Bayede!
I thank you.
