How much royal families cost taxpayers
The kings and queens in the country earn more than a million a year.
AFP/File / Rajesh Jantilal
South African President Jacob Zuma joins Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini (right) to honour the birth of Zulu warrior and founder of the Zulu nation King Shaka at Kwadukuzu, north of Durban on September 24, 2008
The SA government has released a statement detailing the official salaries of the country’s royal families, and we must say, as a king, Goodwill Zwelithini of the AmaZulu makes more than most South Africans.
READ MORE: Why Zulu king’s salary is the biggest
The document titled: Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act: Determination of salaries and allowances of traditional leaders, members of national house and provincial houses of traditional leaders, and signed by President Jacob Zuma himself, details how much money the taxpayers spend on maintaining these royal families.
Among the list of the royal families are:
- King Victor Thulare III of Bapedi ba Maroteng
- Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji of Balobedu
- Zanozuko Sigcawu of AmaMpondo
- Mpendulo Sigcawu of AmaXhosa
- Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo of AbaThembu
- King Goodwill Zwelithini of the AmaZulu
- Mphephu Ramabulana of the Vhavenda
- King Makhosoke Enoch Mabhena II of Ndebele
- Ingwenyama Mabhoko III of Ndzundza-Mabhoko
- Amashangana Tribal Authority
WATCH: Shembe member refuses to kneel before King Zwelithini
Of these, there are full-time and part-time positions, which entitles the holders to their salaries as traditional leaders, subsistence costs and transport costs – department of transport tariffs for the use of privately owned vehicles – for their attendance of official meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences of the respective Houses. The salary is in addition to their sitting allowance.
Find below a table detailing the salaries of the royal families:
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NOTE: NHTL = National House of Traditional Leaders | PHTL = Provincial House of Traditional Leaders
