The office of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has issued its first official response after a leaked video showing the Zulu monarch in a heated confrontation with his wife, Queen Nomzamo Myeni, spread widely on social media.
In a statement released on Friday, the Royal Household expressed “profound concern” over the unauthorised circulation of the footage, saying it had been recorded during a private family interaction and released without the knowledge or consent of the King.
According to the palace, the events shown in the video belong to an earlier period and no longer reflect the current state of affairs within the Royal Household.
“The recordings are historical in nature and do not represent the present circumstances within the Royal Household,” the statement said.
The palace added that the matters captured in the footage had since been addressed through “extensive reflection, mutual reconciliation and the ongoing fulfilment of royal duties.”
Officials also pointed to the King’s recent public appearance alongside Queen Nomzamo as evidence that the couple remain committed to their responsibilities.
On Thursday, the same day the footage began circulating online, the King and Queen jointly hosted Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace.
The Royal Household said their continued public engagements together demonstrate a shared commitment to serving the Zulu nation and protecting the institution of the monarchy.
While defending the context of the recording, the palace acknowledged that some of the King’s comments were unacceptable.
It said the remarks were made during an emotionally charged moment and “fell short of the dignity, restraint and decorum” expected of the Zulu monarch.
The four-minute, six-second video shows King Misuzulu holding what appears to be a green beer bottle while shouting at Queen Nomzamo during a tense exchange. A woman speaking Siswati can be heard attempting to calm the situation.
During the confrontation, the King accuses the Queen of infidelity involving a member of the Nazareth Baptist Church, commonly known as the Shembe Church. He also criticises her public conduct, objects to her social media posts and complains about a visit she made to the Kaizer Chiefs camp.
“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,” the King says in the recording.
The footage also captures the monarch threatening to assault the Queen, making derogatory remarks about the leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church and stating that he ascended to the throne through witchcraft.
Throughout much of the exchange, Queen Nomzamo remains largely silent. As the King leaves the room, she turns to the camera and quietly says:
“This is the life that I live, day and night.”
In a separate development, King Misuzulu has appointed a delegation of senior Royal House elders to meet Unyazi Lwezulu of the Nazareth Baptist Church following the controversy.
The delegation has been instructed to personally convey the King’s apology for comments made during what the palace described as a private conversation and to reaffirm the longstanding respect the Zulu Royal Household holds for Unyazi Lwezulu and the wider church.
The statement said the King deeply regrets the hurt caused by his remarks and appealed to those affected to accept his sincere apology.
It added that he remains committed to preserving the dignity, unity and integrity of both the Zulu Royal Household and the Zulu Kingdom.
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