‘I fell short’: King Misuzulu apologises as ‘historical’ video clips leak online

Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has expressed remorse over leaked video clips circulating on social media, purportedly showing him making derogatory remarks towards his wife, Queen Nomzamo Myeni.

In the footage, a visibly angry king accused the queen of infidelity, threatened her with physical assault and vowed to cut off her financial support.

“She’s out there without permission,” the king said in the video. “When you are someone’s wife, you ask to go where you want to go. At least let your husband know, instead of him seeing you on social media. Angazi lesifebe besiyaphi [I don’t know where this whore was going].”

He added: “The Zulus are not happy with her. I want her out of my house. I don’t have a wife here. You are full of nonsense. You make yourself look innocent, but you stink. I want you out of my house.”

The footage quickly went viral, dividing social media users. While many condemned the king’s behaviour and language, others defended him, directing their criticism towards the queen for allegedly recording the private interaction without his knowledge.

In a media statement on Friday, the office of the king expressed concern over the leak, saying the conversations took place within a private family setting and were shared publicly without the king’s consent.

The palace clarified that the recordings were historical in nature and do not reflect the current reality within the royal household. Despite that, the king acknowledged that his behaviour was unacceptable.

“Notwithstanding the private and historical nature of the recordings, his majesty acknowledges that certain expressions made during an emotionally-charged moment fell short of the dignity, restraint and decorum that the nation rightfully expects from its monarch,” the statement read.

“His majesty recognises that the words spoken have caused pain, disappointment, embarrassment and disquiet among members of the royal family, amakhosi, the royal household, religious leaders and the broader Zulu nation.”

The king also apologised for calling the leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church, commonly known as the Shembe Church, an idiot, saying he has dispatched a delegation of senior royal house elders to engage with “Unyazi LweZulu”, the spiritual leader of the church.

His majesty deeply regrets the hurt caused by his utterances and humbly asks those who were affected to receive his sincere expression of remorse. He acknowledges that leadership carries an enduring responsibility to demonstrate wisdom, patience and respect, even during moments of personal difficulty

—  Office of the King Misuzulu

“The delegation has been instructed to formally convey his majesty’s profound regret regarding the unfortunate utterances made during that private exchange and to reaffirm the deep and enduring respect that his majesty and the Zulu throne hold for Unyazi LweZulu and the Nazareth Baptist Church.”

The king apologised to others affected by the viral footage.

“His majesty deeply regrets the hurt caused by his utterances and humbly asks those who were affected to receive his sincere expression of remorse. He acknowledges that leadership carries an enduring responsibility to demonstrate wisdom, patience and respect, even during moments of personal difficulty.”

The videos began circulating widely on Thursday, the same day the royal couple put on a united front to receive a political delegation from Build One South Africa, led by Mmusi Maimane, at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace.

The royal office underscored that the king and queen have since worked through their marital friction, reflected on the past and are moving forward with their official duties as a team.

“The continued participation of his majesty and her majesty in official engagements together reflects their shared commitment to the institution of the Zulu monarchy and to the service of the nation.”

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