The Zulu Royal Family is at the center of a new controversy following comments made by Sihle Sibisi, a presenter and activist at Moja Love, who has openly criticized King Misuzulu kaZwelithini after a video surfaced that has prompted significant discussions nationwide.
The controversial footage, which emerged last week, reportedly shows the Zulu king chastising his wife, Queen Nomzamo “Mdolomba” Myeni-Zulu, while holding a bottle of alcohol. The video’s circulation has led to increased examination of the King’s private actions and sparked dialogues regarding gender-based violence, accountability, and leadership ethics.
Sibisi, known for hosting Fake Pastors and Fake Marriages on Moja Love (DStv Channel 157), has taken a prominent stance following the video’s release. A close friend of Queen Nomzamo, Sibisi was present at their wedding and has had past disputes involving the King.
Years ago, she alleged that she had a romantic relationship with King Misuzulu and even released a video that showed him in a bedroom. These claims emerged after members of the royal family claimed she misrepresented her connection with them. Previously, she also disclosed an audio clip where the King reportedly insulted her in a drunken state.
In a pointed TikTok video, Sibisi asserted that the King is an abuser of women and suggested that he requires rehabilitation rather than continued protection due to his royal status.
“This man needs help. Let us set his position aside and face the man directly. This man needs help. He is an abuser of women. Saying he is the King, the King who speaks no lies, that is a mistake,” Sibisi said.
The Kwanele Foundation’s founder expressed concern that if an ordinary man exhibited similar behavior, he would face immediate backlash from the public.
Sibisi argued that the King’s position has led to a different set of reactions compared to what would be expected in cases involving ordinary individuals.
She emphasized that ignoring the allegations due to the King’s status undermines South Africa’s efforts to combat gender-based violence.
“We have young boys who look up to the King. There are boys who will think that if the King acts this way, they can do it too,” she said.
Sibisi has gained recognition as an advocate for women’s rights, previously participating in a BBC documentary Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua, where she accused the late Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua of sexual misconduct.
Responding to speculation regarding the leaked video, she clarified that Queen Nomzamo did not post it online herself.
She stated that the recording was made years ago and claimed that the Queen had shared it privately with an elderly royal family member, hoping to convey her struggles with abuse.
According to Sibisi, it was this royal family member who leaked the video after their relationship reportedly soured. These assertions have not been independently verified.
Sibisi also questioned public narratives about Queen Nomzamo’s life, noting that she had only one child when her relationship with King Misuzulu began long before he became king.
Extending her criticism to the entire Zulu Royal Family, Sibisi accused senior members of failing to support the Queen and fostering an environment in which women feel unable to voice their experiences.
She claimed that public perceptions regarding alcohol use in the royal family are inaccurate, suggesting that drinking habits are not confined to just one person.
Sibisi has previously attracted attention due to her work exposing alleged frauds on Fake Pastors, and she has called on the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa to investigate claims of misconduct in the Mzansi Magic reality show Nandi and The Rev.
However, she has also faced backlash; the SA Church Defenders organization has previously taken issue with her investigations into religious leaders.
The allegations against King Misuzulu have intensified public scrutiny of the Zulu Royal Family. As of this report, neither the King nor the royal family has issued a response to Sibisi’s claims, and the authenticity of the leaked footage remains unverified.
