Zulu King Slams Government Over Durban SADC Summit Snub
- King Misuzulu kaZwelithini voiced frustration after the SADC Summit was held in Durban without what he believed was a formal invitation to him
- The King revealed he considered sending the Zulu regiment, Amabutho, to the Durban ICC to stop the meeting
- DIRCO insists an official invitation was extended to the King for the banquet and opening ceremony
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Getty Images
KWAZULU NATAL - King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has spoken out about feeling disrespected after the South African government hosted a major regional summit in Durban without, in his view, acknowledging him as the custodian of the land.
In a video that circulated widely on social media, the Zulu monarch addressed those gathered at the annual Reed Dance at eMachobeni Royal Palace in Ngwavuma.
King criticises government for not inviting him
He told the crowd he was deeply frustrated by what he described as being snubbed at the Southern African Development Community Summit held at the Durban International Convention Centre last month.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
The King said it was disrespectful for foreign heads of state to gather on his land without the host government extending him the courtesy of an invitation. He went further, revealing he had contemplated dispatching the Zulu regiment, known as Amabutho, to the ICC to halt the proceedings entirely.
DIRCO says invitation was sent
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation pushed back on the King's account. Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri confirmed that an official invitation had been sent to King Misuzulu, and that he had been expected to attend both the official banquet and the opening ceremony.
"To resolve any misunderstanding, the Ministry will engage with the Private Office of the King to establish clarity on the matter," Phiri said.
The department did not explain how the breakdown in communication occurred or why the King appeared unaware of the invitation.
South Africans weigh in
The video divided opinion sharply on social media:
@nkosibooi wrote:
"He's got a point though. You don't have to be the head of state to attend. Besides he's a prominent figure in the region that hosted the event."
@karndocian said:
"I don't believe government requires a lecture on basic rules of etiquette. You do not host an event in someone's backyard and not tell them about it."
@Mjudana noted:
"Fraternising with politicians is why sometimes royal households are taken for granted and disrespected."
@osmaseko commented:
"This one thinks he is part of government, he is just a ceremonial figure. He must know his place."
@MarumoMarumo4 added:
"So much entitlement 🙄🙄🙄"
Zulu King criticises the KZN government
Briefly News also reported that the King of the Zulu nation, Misuzulu KaZwelithini, criticised the KwaZulu-Natal government of provincial unity. This follows allegations that the provincial government nearly “sabotaged” his recent royal trip to the United Arab Emirates. King Misuzulu KaZwelithini claimed that the provincial government failed to support his trip, which took place from 15 to 21 October 2025.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
