Royal Household Trust faces scrutiny over king’s new palace costs

THE Royal Household Trust, which manages the affairs of the Zulu-Royal house, has come under fire for its management of the construction of King Misuzulu’s new palace in oPhongolo.

- THAMI MAGUBANE [e-mail]

Sipho Buthelezi, the chief financial officer of the trust, was first questioned about the scope of work increasing which could potentially lead to increased costs.

Buthelezi incurred the scrutiny after stating that it is not possible for him to say “no” to a request from his principal in the Royal House. He did not provide further details and later retracted this statement.

The Royal Household Trust appeared before the finance portfolio committee recently and mentioned that funds had been set aside for work at the new Mashobeni Royal Palace in oPhongolo.