Publication: Independent Online Issued: Date: 2002-12-22 Reporter: Sapa Editor:

Royals Tied the Knot Using Taxpayers' Money

The Eastern Cape government provided more than R1-million to help fund the recent royal wedding of Thembu chief Mfundo Mtirara and Zulu king Goodwill Zwelithini's daughter, Princess Nandi, the City Press newspaper reported on Sunday.

Quoting from a "confidential government report" in its possession, the Sunday paper said part of the R1-million was used to build the royal palace for the newlyweds, as well as to cater for guests who attended the wedding.

According to City Press, opposition parties said no authorisation was obtained from the council to use the more than R1-million for the ceremony, and that no council policy provided for the use of funds for such events.

Provincial local government and housing department spokesperson Mbulelo Linda said the grant for the construction of the Matyenengqina palace was not related to the wedding.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Independent Online.