By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Zulu Royal Household condemned the unauthorized sharing of private video clips showing AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini shouting at one of his wives, Queen Nomzamo Myeni.
In the video, the king is seen hurling insults at the queen, while another woman tries to calm him down.
Her Royal Highness Queen appears visibly subdued throughout much of the exchange.
The video also captures the monarch making derogatory remarks about the leader of the Shembe Church.
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.
Despite the context of the videos, the statement said King Misuzulu did not shy away from accountability. The statement said that certain expressions made during an “emotionally charged moment” and fell short of the dignity, restraint, and decorum rightfully expected from the throne.
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 outburst.
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.