By Sihle Mavuso
The Zulu royal family is once again under scrutiny after another video allegedly showing King Misuzulu under the influence and insulting his third wife, Queen Nomzamo Myeni of Jozini, surfaced online.
The latest recording follows another leaked in April last year in which the King was heard insulting one of his biological sisters, Princess Nomkhosi Zulu, by making derogatory references to their late mother’s genitalia.
The contents of the latest video cannot be fully reported because it contains repeated expletives unsuitable for publication.
In the undated clip, the King is seen holding a green beer bottle while repeatedly insulting the Queen and accusing her of infidelity within the Shembe church.
During the outburst, a Siswati-speaking woman can be heard attempting to calm the King. He also threatens to assault Myeni and claims he became King after “snatching” the throne through witchcraft.
Among the grievances raised by the King is that Queen Myeni allegedly undertook trips without informing him and that he only became aware of them through photographs posted on social media.
The video is four minutes and six seconds long. It is unclear who recorded it or why it was filmed.
In a statement issued on Friday following the leak, the Office of the Zulu King said it had noted “with profound concern” the circulation of private video recordings depicting His Majesty in personal interactions with members of the Royal Family, including Queen Nomzamo Myeni.
The office said the recordings were circulated publicly without the King’s knowledge or consent and related to conversations that took place within a private family setting.
“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.
It also demonstrates that the difficult circumstances portrayed in the recordings belong to a period that has since been overtaken by reconciliation, reflection and the continued fulfilment of their responsibilities,” the statement said.
The office stressed that, despite the private and historical nature of the recordings, the King acknowledged that certain remarks made during an emotionally charged moment fell short of the dignity, restraint and decorum the nation rightfully expects from its monarch.
“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.
“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.
“This expression of regret does not diminish the dignity of the Throne. Rather, it reflects His Majesty’s understanding that true leadership also requires humility, accountability and the courage to acknowledge when one’s conduct has caused pain to others.”
