The office of the King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has issued an official response addressing the leaked video showing the Zulu King berating his wife, Queen Nomzamo Myeni.
In a formal statement released on Friday, the royal household expressed “profound concern” over the unauthorised dissemination of the video clips.
The palace said that the recordings captured conversations in a private family setting and were leaked to the public without the knowledge or consent of the King.
According to the statement, the difficult circumstances captured in the videos belong to a past that has since been overtaken by extensive reflection, mutual reconciliation, and the ongoing fulfillment of royal duties.
“The recordings are historical in nature and do not represent the present circumstances within the Royal Household,” the statement said.
It was said that the video surfaced on Thursday July 9 while the King and Queen Nomzamo were jointly conducting official state duties at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace. The royal couple were hosting the leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA), Mmusi Maimane.
The office emphasised that their continued participation in joint public engagements demonstrates an unshakeable, shared commitment to the service of the Zulu nation and the preservation of the monarchy.
Despite the context of the videos, the statement said King Misuzulu did not shy away from accountability. The statement said that certain expressions were made during an “emotionally charged moment” and fell short of the dignity, restraint, and decorum rightfully expected from the throne.
The four-minute-and-six-second video, which began circulating online on Thursday, July 9, shows the King holding what appears to be a green beer bottle while shouting at the Queen during a heated exchange.
Throughout the footage, a Siswati-speaking woman can be heard in the background attempting to calm the King down.
During the confrontation, King Misuzulu accuses Queen Nomzamo of being unfaithful with a member of the Shembe Church, criticises her conduct as a royal wife and threatens to assault her.
He also takes issue with her social media activity, including Facebook posts and a recent visit to the Kaizer Chiefs camp that she shared online.
“She’s out there without my permission. When you’re someone’s wife, you ask for permission to go to some places. At least let your husband know,” he says in the video.
The King further suggests that the Queen should be taught how to conduct herself in her royal role.
He also admits that he ascended the throne through witchcraft.
The video also captures the monarch making derogatory remarks about the leader of the Shembe Church.
Queen Nomzamo appears visibly subdued throughout much of the exchange. As the King leaves the room, she turns to the camera and quietly says:
“This is the life that I live, day and night.”
Delegation dispatched to Shembe church
King Misuzulu has appointed a high-level delegation of senior Royal House elders to meet with Unyazi Lwezulu of the Nazareth Baptist Church following the controversy.
According to a statement, the delegation has been instructed to personally deliver the King’s sincere apology for remarks made during what was described as a private conversation. They have also been tasked with reaffirming the longstanding respect that King Misuzulu and the Zulu Royal Household hold for Unyazi Lwezulu and the wider Nazareth Baptist Church.
The statement said the King expressed deep remorse for the pain caused by his comments and appealed to those affected to accept his heartfelt apology.
King Misuzulu further emphasised his commitment to safeguarding the dignity, unity and integrity of both the Zulu Royal Household and the Zulu Kingdom, while expressing hope that his apology would be accepted by those who felt offended.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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