Zwelithini gets R1.7m worth of government-owned houses for free

Zulu king Goodwill Zwelithini has reportedly been given R1.7 million worth of government-owned houses for free. The three houses, in Ulundi, are reportedly being renovated at a cost of at least R1.1 million, and the king is not paying for that either, The Times has reported.

The houses are apparently for his guests so they do not have to book into hotels anymore.

The king already has several palaces in the province, including a six-bedroom home valued at R620 000 and other two houses valued at R570 000 and R510 000, which were reportedly occupied by a senior member of the Zulu royal family who died and two former MECs.

Zulu royal family spokesperson Thulani Zulu reportedly told the publication that the king asked Premier Willies Mchunu for the houses in 2014 after visiting the complex allocated to the provincial health department for employees working in rural hospitals.

Zulu reportedly told the publication the king was “shocked” to find the houses in a state of dilapidation. He wanted to take all 15 houses in the complex and renovate them as a royal village for his international guests because hotels were often fully booked.

“He was concerned about state property being left unused, such as some offices in the legislative building in Ulundi. He has decided to move his offices from Nongoma to the old legislative building,” Zulu was quoted as saying.

Public works spokesperson Mbulelo Baloyi confirmed to the publication that three houses were given to the king after a request from Mchunu. The premier’s office will reportedly be responsible for maintenance and furniture.

Mchunu’s spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, also confirmed to the publication the houses had been allocated to the king to accommodate his international guests. Sibiya reportedly said over time, the renovation costs would be offset by reduced hotel bills, “ultimately saving the taxpayer money”.

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