Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has publicly criticized academic Professor Musa Xulu during the annual Reed Dance ceremony, accusing him of insulting both the monarch and the Zulu nation.
Speaking at the event, held for the first time at his new Emashobeni Palace in northern KwaZulu-Natal, the king expressed his frustration with media outlets for repeatedly using Xulu as an analyst on royal matters. He stated he had previously instructed them not to do so.
The king challenged the media to instead consult academics he approves of, whom he described as knowledgeable about the Zulu kingdom. He did not specify what comments by Xulu he found insulting but warned that the nation was angry and would protect him and their culture.
In a strong rebuke, the king suggested he would be willing to engage in a traditional stick fight to discipline Xulu, whom he called “useless.”
In response, Professor Xulu stated that the media seeks his analysis because it is independent and well-researched. He defended his academic credentials, noting he holds multiple PhDs in cultural studies and sociology. Xulu interpreted the king’s comments as an incitement for others to attack him and denied being a praise singer for the monarchy.
The Reed Dance was attended by prominent figures, including former president Jacob Zuma, KZN Premier Thami Ntuli, and the Rain Queen Modjadji of Limpopo. Premier Ntuli pledged to develop infrastructure around the new palace to make it a suitable permanent venue for the event and a potential tourist destination.
The ceremony also served to introduce the king’s fourth wife, Queen Sihle Mdhluli, who is from a Swati clan in Mpumalanga.