King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has raised serious concerns over two women who allegedly used his name to solicit money and other benefits linked to the annual Reed Dance, including R1.5 million in funding and luxury vehicles.
The Zulu monarch made the revelations during the closing ceremony of the 46th annual Reed Dance at eMashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola, northern KwaZulu-Natal, where thousands of maidens gathered for the traditional ceremony.
According to the King, the women approached companies claiming they had been sent by him to secure financial support for the event.
He said the alleged deception came to light when members of his own team approached companies for sponsorship and were told that funding had already been provided.
R1.5 million allegedly collected
King Misuzulu said one company informed his representatives that it had already donated R1.5 million towards the Reed Dance.
“A certain company told us that they had donated R1.5-million,” he said.
However, the King said his team later discovered that the women had allegedly approached the same company and collected the money themselves while claiming to represent him.
“Only to find out that those women had already approached the same company and got that money for themselves while claiming to be sent by me. I really don’t know them,” he said.
The King said the alleged use of his name went beyond fundraising.
He also claimed the women approached vehicle dealerships and obtained luxury cars by presenting themselves as acting with his authority.
“They were even taking cars from dealerships using my name, which is something I never knew about,” he said.
The allegations have not been independently proven, and no information has been provided publicly confirming the identity of the companies or dealerships involved.
Prince Nathi raises concerns
The issue had already been raised with the King before his comments at the closing ceremony.
Prince Nathi kaPhumanyova of the KwaMandlakazi Royal House reportedly warned the King about two women who he alleged had been using the monarch’s name when approaching traditional leaders.
“Your Majesty, we have a problem with two women who are busy extorting money from traditional leaders in your name,” Prince Nathi said.
According to Prince Nathi, one of the women allegedly claimed to be the King’s granny and offered to help traditional leaders gain access to the monarch and secure recognition.
He said some traditional leaders had become frustrated by the alleged conduct and wanted the King to intervene.
Additional claims were made by royal sources, including allegations that one of the women approached major companies offering access to land under the Ingonyama Trust for potential business opportunities.
Those claims have not been independently verified.
A royal source also alleged that the woman charged people as much as R100,000 for assistance in arranging meetings with King Misuzulu.
No evidence supporting those additional allegations was presented, and they should therefore be treated as claims rather than established facts.
Who is King Misuzulu?
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is the reigning monarch of the Zulu nation and succeeded his late father, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
He occupies an important cultural and traditional position among the Zulu people, although South Africa’s constitution does not give traditional monarchs the executive powers held by elected political leaders.
The Reed Dance, or uMkhosi woMhlanga, is one of the most prominent cultural events associated with the Zulu royal household. It brings together young women who participate in traditional ceremonies celebrating Zulu culture, identity and heritage.
The annual gathering also attracts traditional leaders, dignitaries and visitors from across South Africa and neighbouring countries.
This year’s event included maidens from outside South Africa, highlighting the ceremony’s wider cultural significance.
Warning over misuse of the royal name
The allegations have placed renewed attention on the risks surrounding the use of royal names and institutions when money, business opportunities or access to influential figures are involved.
King Misuzulu’s comments effectively served as a warning that individuals claiming to represent him should not automatically be assumed to have his authority.
The allegations also come at a sensitive time for the Zulu royal establishment, with the Reed Dance remaining one of the most visible expressions of Zulu cultural identity.
For now, the King has publicly distanced himself from the women and the alleged fundraising activities carried out in his name.
Any criminal investigation or legal proceedings would be required to establish whether money or property was unlawfully obtained and whether anyone should face charges.
