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King Misuzulu's divisive speech targets foreign nationals
South Africa's Zulu monarch, Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has drawn sharp criticism after demanding that all migrants-whom he referred to using a derogatory term-leave the country during a high-profile address in KwaZulu-Natal. The 51-year-old king's remarks, delivered at the historic Battle of Isandlwana site, have reignited debates over xenophobia and royal influence in modern South Africa.
Historical backdrop frames controversial address
Speaking at Isandlwana hill, where Zulu warriors defeated a British force in 1879, King Misuzulu invoked the battle's legacy to underscore his message. The victory remains a symbol of resistance against foreign domination for many Zulus. However, the king redirected that sentiment toward migrants from neighboring countries, including Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, who make up roughly 4% of South Africa's population.
'Kwerekwere must leave': King's remarks stoke tensions
Using the offensive Zulu term kwerekwere for foreigners, the king declared that migrants should "pack their bags," even if they had South African partners or children. "We must now sit down and discuss this because even if my nephew's father is a kwerekwere, the kwerekwere must leave," he said, drawing laughter from his audience. The comments echoed those of his late father, King Goodwill Zwelithini, who in 2015 urged migrants to leave and later backtracked amid backlash.
"The king is respected by many, including foreigners, and he's supposed to be that symbol [of unity]."
Dr. Vusumusi Sibanda, human rights lawyer
Xenophobia's political roots and vigilante threats
South Africa's unemployment rate-one of the world's highest at 33%-has fueled anti-migrant sentiment, with some accusing foreigners of taking jobs and straining public services. Opposition parties, including former President Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), have capitalized on these grievances with populist policies advocating migrant expulsions.
Vigilante groups like Operation Dudula ("to remove by force") and March on March have gained prominence, targeting schools and hospitals. Last month, protesters in Durban claimed 90% of pupils at Addington Primary School were migrants' children, forcing an emergency closure. Authorities dismissed the claim, stating that foreign nationals account for just 1.8% of South Africa's public school students.
Royal influence and calls for accountability
Though the Zulu monarchy holds no formal political power, it commands significant cultural and financial sway. Funded by taxpayers, the king oversees a trust controlling vast communal lands in KwaZulu-Natal. Critics argue his remarks undermine his role as a unifying figure.
"Such words encourage ordinary citizens to take the law into their own hands."
Lizette Lancaster, Institute for Security Studies
Human rights advocates have condemned the speech, while legal experts warn it could embolden vigilante violence. March on March leader Jacinta Ngobese Zuma faces charges over the Addington Primary School protests, and courts have previously barred Operation Dudula from blocking migrants' access to schools and healthcare.
Name change proposal revives old divisions
King Misuzulu also reignited debate by proposing to rename KwaZulu-Natal as "KwaZulu," dropping the "Natal" suffix-a reference to the colonial-era province merged with the Zulu homeland in 1994. Critics argue the change would fuel ethnic nationalism in a diverse province where Zulus are not the sole demographic group.
"Renaming it KwaZulu would be a distortion of history. There was never a time when this whole region was a Zulu kingdom."
Prof. Musa Xulu, cultural expert
Legacy of division
Since ascending the throne in 2022, King Misuzulu has faced scrutiny over succession disputes and a contentious divorce. His latest remarks, however, mark a shift toward his father's controversial stance on migration-a topic that continues to polarize South Africa amid economic strain and political opportunism.
