South Africa’s ceremonial Zulu monarch, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has expressed deep regret after a video captured him hurling insulting remarks at his third wife, Queen Nomzamo Myeni.
The clip surfaced on Wednesday, showing the king threatening a physical assault, accusing the queen of an affair, and demanding she leave the household. He also mentioned a girlfriend waiting for him, before abruptly exiting the room. To view the footage’s source, the queen seemingly filmed the dispute herself, remaining silent for the majority of the recording until she concluded with, ‘This is the life I live, day and night.’
In response, a statement from the royal office outlined that the king’s outburst has caused pain and embarrassment within royal circles and the broader Zulu community. The office emphasised that the recordings are historical and do not represent the present atmosphere of the Royal Household.
Details in the video revealed the king’s criticism of the queen’s independent outings without his approval—she had married him only last November. “She is out there without my permission,” he said, “when you’re a wife, you ask for permission. At least let your husband know.” The king also alluded to a girlfriend awaiting him. He ultimately told the queen that he wanted her out.
The incident sparked polarised reactions on social media: some criticised the king for abusive, un dignified behaviour, while others accused the queen of airing personal matters publicly. South African journalist Asanda Magaqa noted that while filming private moments is discouraged, ‘watching that video, I understand why she felt compelled to record it.’
The royal household’s statement highlighted the austere conditions preceding the video’s leak: a group of politicians were in attendance as part of official duties. Engagements such as this demonstrate that the difficult circumstances captured in the footage have since been replaced with reconciliation and reflection.
In an era where South Africa faces one of the highest rates of violence against women, this incident is only one of many that spotlight gender‑based violence, which the country declared a national disaster last year.
Previously, King Misuzulu’s marriage to Queen Myeni was delayed after his first wife, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela, attempted to stop the couple’s wedding. The court dismissed the case, ruling that the couple had already agreed that traditional marriage could coexist with civil civil marriage, mitigating concerns of bigamy.
