South Africa's poor pick up king-sized expense tab
(01-28 18:55)
South Africa's 10 kings and thousands of aristocrats cost the state a regal US$73 million last year, local media reported.
The price tag was spent on salaries and benefits for 10 kings, 829 senior traditional leaders and 5,311 local chiefs, Beeld newspaper reported. Each king earned a yearly salary of over US$100,000, while provinces allocated additional benefits, AFP reports.
Zulu King Goodwill Zwelethini received US$6.6 million from the eastern KwaZulu-Natal province, and asked an extra US$2 million to build a palace for the youngest of his six wives. He has 27 children.
Other provinces paid for luxury vehicles, medical aid and household costs.
The country's royalty feature little in public affairs. They don't fulfil formal political roles, though some have served in government.
Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nobel Peace Laureate and struggle-hero Nelson Mandela, is a chief in the Thembu clan and member of parliament for the ruling African National Congress.
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