Nkululeko Luthuli, the grandson of Nobel laureate Chief Albert Luthuli, was suspended on full pay pending an inquiry into alleged misuse of public funds
The inquiry involves the administrative and financial affairs of the KwaZulu-Natal Zulu Household Trust.
Luthuli, who is also the CEO of the Luthuli Foundation, told The Witness yesterday he had received a letter of suspension.
“I have the letter. I would not be in a position to say what I am suspended for because I don’t know,” he said.
Trust chairperson Judge Jerome Ngwenya said the allegations against Luthuli were “so serious as to warrant his immediate suspension”.
“While we cannot pronounce on the guilt or otherwise of our CEO, it is important that a fair and due process be put in place urgently.”
The allegations against Luthuli surfaced at the weekend ahead of the Zulu monarch’s annual opening of the legislature.
In his speech on Monday, the king urged all citizens to ensure that there was social and government accountability in all public and private sectors. “We should also ensure that every cent goes to the intended beneficiary and projects,” he said.
Referring to the king’s statement, Ngwenya said: “His majesty’s call for accountability and clean governance refers to all institutions. It is therefore important that the trust which looks after the affairs of the Royal Household Trust heed his message and be among the first to act promptly when there is need to do so.
“We take the king’s call for accountability seriously.”
Ngwenya said the investigation would be conducted by a Durban-based law firm, Jafta Incorporated.
The investigators are expected to compile a report in two weeks.
The Royal Household Trust was established in 2009 in terms of a 2007 act of the legislature to manage the affairs of the Zulu Royald Household and to ensure its financial independence.
It provides for the royal household, including expenses for the queens and the educational needs of King Goodwill’s children.
It falls under the Royal Household Department in the KwaZulu-Natal office of the premier.
Luthuli, who holds a bachelor of commerce in economics, earns just over R1 million a year as trust CEO.
Other trustees include deputy chairperson Prince Mbonisi Zulu, who is also the spokesperson for the Royal Household Trust, businessman Don Mkhwanazi, former MPL and adviser to the premier Cyril Xaba, Nkosi Lily Mpungose, Bonizwe Yaka and Ishwar Ramlutchman.
Zulu royals suspend CEO Luthuli
Nkululeko Luthuli, the grandson of Nobel laureate Chief Albert Luthuli, was suspended on full pay pending an inquiry into alleged misuse of public funds
The inquiry involves the administrative and financial affairs of the KwaZulu-Natal Zulu Household Trust.
Luthuli, who is also the CEO of the Luthuli Foundation, told The Witness yesterday he had received a letter of suspension.
“I have the letter. I would not be in a position to say what I am suspended for because I don’t know,” he said.
Trust chairperson Judge Jerome Ngwenya said the allegations against Luthuli were “so serious as to warrant his immediate suspension”.
“While we cannot pronounce on the guilt or otherwise of our CEO, it is important that a fair and due process be put in place urgently.”
The allegations against Luthuli surfaced at the weekend ahead of the Zulu monarch’s annual opening of the legislature.
In his speech on Monday, the king urged all citizens to ensure that there was social and government accountability in all public and private sectors. “We should also ensure that every cent goes to the intended beneficiary and projects,” he said.
Referring to the king’s statement, Ngwenya said: “His majesty’s call for accountability and clean governance refers to all institutions. It is therefore important that the trust which looks after the affairs of the Royal Household Trust heed his message and be among the first to act promptly when there is need to do so.
“We take the king’s call for accountability seriously.”
Ngwenya said the investigation would be conducted by a Durban-based law firm, Jafta Incorporated.
The investigators are expected to compile a report in two weeks.
The Royal Household Trust was established in 2009 in terms of a 2007 act of the legislature to manage the affairs of the Zulu Royald Household and to ensure its financial independence.
It provides for the royal household, including expenses for the queens and the educational needs of King Goodwill’s children.
It falls under the Royal Household Department in the KwaZulu-Natal office of the premier.
Luthuli, who holds a bachelor of commerce in economics, earns just over R1 million a year as trust CEO.
Other trustees include deputy chairperson Prince Mbonisi Zulu, who is also the spokesperson for the Royal Household Trust, businessman Don Mkhwanazi, former MPL and adviser to the premier Cyril Xaba, Nkosi Lily Mpungose, Bonizwe Yaka and Ishwar Ramlutchman.
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