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Durban — The Zulu monarchy is set to issue six new Mercedes Benz E-Class sedans, collectively worth nearly R5 million, to the King’s six wives, the Sunday Tribune reported.
A seventh luxury German sedan has reportedly been purchased and will be kept as a “back-up”.
King Goodwill Zwelithini’s household is supported by the provincial government, with an annual pay-in of nearly R60 million.
The management of money by the Zulu Royal Household Trust raised concerns last year when the allotted R54.2 million was spent before the end of the financial year.
This prompted a R5 million bailout in February.
The office of the KwaZulu-Natal Premier also took control of the King’s budget.
Thamsanqa Ngwenya, head of communications for the premier’s office, told the newspaper that the cars had been purchased at a discounted rate.
He said the purchase would curb extravagant spending in the long run, as the queens had been using hire cars.
Former Zulu Royal Household Trust chair Jerome Ngwenya said the queens had chosen to travel in Mercedes Benzes for a number of reasons.
“The cars befit the status of the Zulu royal family, safety, durability, comfort and reliability are just some of the reasons,” he was quoted as saying. — News24
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