King Misuzulu Warns Men Against Pursuing Underage Girls at Reed Dance, Sparks Mixed Reactions Online
- King Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini addressed the young maidens at the annual Reed Dance Festival
- The Zulu King warned men who pursue underage girls, saying that he would deal with them personally
- South Africans shared mixed reactions to the King's statement, with some praising him for his leadership
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
KWAZULU-NATAL – King Misuzulu has sent a stern warning to men who pursue underage girls, saying that he would deal with them.
The Zulu monarch, Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini, made the statement during the annual Umkhosi Womhlanga (Reed Dance Festival) on Saturday, 13 September 2025. The traditional event was held at the king’s palace in eMashobeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal for the first time in history, instead of the eNyokeni Palace.
What did the Zulu King say?
Addressing the thousands of young women gathered at the annual Reed Dance Festival, the AmaZulu King stated that he would not be choosing a wife among them, as they were young enough to be his daughters. He added that he was the same age as their mothers.
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“I can’t marry someone who is the same age as my children,” he stated.
King Misuzulu then addressed the issue of men approaching young girls for courtship. The King called on the girls who were 16 years old and younger to inform him if any men approached them with “mjolo nonsense”, promising to deal with the men.
King Misuzulu also thanked the young women for participating in the festival, highlighting the importance of preserving what is considered a cornerstone of Zulu culture.
Source: Getty Images
How did South Africans react to the King’s statement?
While some social media users praised the King for his stance, saying that it was a sign of true leadership. Others questioned his stance.
@BigDhara11 said:
“It’s my first time hearing a Zulu man respecting women.”
@PetuniaTsweleng exclaimed:
“Wow! Wow! Wow! I suggest that King Mswati should get some advice from King Misuzulu.”
@RichBlackWidow added:
“Wow, I love that👌.”
@dave_ramatlo said:
“Those words will have a lasting impact. There's a girl who will live by those words simply because the King said so. When leaders inspire, the community changes for the better.”
@Makhadoar added:
“A king who sees young girls as daughters, not potential wives, and who stands as their protector, that’s fatherhood and leadership in action. Bayede👑.”
@ZuluDarkink said:
“Nonsense, do you know that he has no heir to the throne?”
@kwenasekwele added:
“If he is serious, then he must address the Shembe church.”
@craggles4 asked:
“So, do customs only matter in some instances, not all? Is there a word for this kind of behaviour? Please help me.”
@Kunenemuzicharl suggested:
“Probably someone wrote the speech for him.”
@Pearl1550468 stated:
“Zulu people will never take him seriously.”
King calls for an end to Gender Base Violence
Briefly News reported that this isn't the first time the King has addressed men during the annual Umkhosi Womhlanga.
In 2022, King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini insisted that men should treat women with respect and put an end to gender-based violence.
The King said his late father always insisted that women should be protected, and he promised to continue that tradition.
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Source: Briefly News
