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Royal Reprimand Ordered by Eswatini Monarch
King Mswati III of Eswatini has summoned his nephew, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, for a royal reprimand following a series of incidents involving the Zulu monarch that have played out in the public domain in recent weeks. According to Swazi-based reports, sources within the Zulu Royal Residence at Mashobeni Palace claim that King Mswati summoned King Misuzulu to "call him to order" due to concerns over his recent conduct.
The summons follows reported interventions by senior princes within the Zulu Royal Family, who allegedly sought the assistance of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to caution King Misuzulu about actions that were reportedly "bringing disrepute to the Zulu Kingdom."
Allegations of Public Conduct
Sources cited several specific incidents as grounds for the reprimand. Among the allegations are claims that King Misuzulu was visibly intoxicated during recent Umhlanga events held at the Machobeni and Mashobeni royal residences.
King Misuzulu was also allegedly seen in a similar state during an event commemorating King Shaka Zulu Ilembe on September 24, 2026. These appearances have drawn scrutiny regarding his public demeanor and adherence to royal protocol.
Further concerns were raised over videos circulating on social media that reportedly showed the king engaging in dangerous behavior. One video allegedly depicted King Misuzulu "playing with a gun in front of a crowd, including children" during his birthday celebration. Another video reportedly showed the king "playing with a knife," adding to the list of alleged infractions.
Controversial Remarks and Internal Disputes
Beyond physical conduct, reports indicate that King Misuzulu made inflammatory remarks in a video that emerged publicly. In the recording, he was heard insulting his third wife, Queen Nomzamo Myeni, and Shembe Church leader Mduduzi Shembe, whom he allegedly referred to as a "silima" (fool).
In the same video, King Misuzulu allegedly stated that he secured the Zulu throne "through witchcraft," a claim that has reportedly intensified concerns among royal elders.
The situation escalated further with allegations of internal family disputes. King Misuzulu allegedly summoned Queen Nomzamo Myeni to Mashobeni on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from her assigned Machobeni Royal Residence in Ingwavuma. The Queen was allegedly accused of "leaking royal secrets to the media" and of instigating insults directed at the King by Thabani Hlatshwayo, also known as Putin.
Hlatshwayo reportedly launched a scathing verbal attack against King Misuzulu and Mduduzi Shembe on Monday and Tuesday of that week, allegedly using "various cringe-worthy expletives." This internal conflict appears to have contributed to the broader concerns about the stability and reputation of the Zulu Royal House.
Political Interventions and Recent Visits
The reported misconduct prompted high-level political intervention. It is reported that President Ramaphosa subsequently sought the intervention of King Mswati to help "call Misuzulu to order," highlighting the cross-border implications of the royal dispute.
Sources suggest there may have been more to King Misuzulu’s recent visit to Eswatini, where he was seen flanking King Mswati during YKK’s Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Ezulwini Palazzo on September 1, 2026. The juxtaposition of his public presence at such a significant event with the subsequent allegations of misconduct has drawn attention from observers monitoring the relationship between the two royal houses.
