The meeting follows several days of strained relations between the Zulu Royal Household and the Shembe church after a leaked video surfaced earlier this month showing King Misuzulu in a heated argument with Queen Nomzamo Myeni.
Zulu Royal Family Moves to Mend Rift with Shembe Church After King’s Public Apology
The Office of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini says a delegation of senior members of the Zulu Royal Family has met with Unyazi Lwezulu, the spiritual leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church, in a significant step towards repairing relations between the Zulu monarchy and the influential Shembe church.
The Office of His Majesty the King described the meeting as successful and said it had been conducted on the King’s behalf as part of efforts to restore unity following recent tensions.
The delegation was led by Inkosi Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi, Chairperson of the King’s Council, and included the King’s spokesperson, Mpikayise Buthelezi, as well as the Traditional Prime Minister, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi. According to the palace, the three were specifically entrusted by King Misuzulu to engage with the Shembe leadership.
The palace said discussions took place “in a spirit of mutual respect, openness and family unity.”
The King’s spokesperson, Mpikayise Buthelezi, said Unyazi Lwezulu reaffirmed his loyalty to the monarch, declaring that “His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini remains my King” and describing the recent dispute as “a family matter that has now been resolved.”
Buthelezi added that Unyazi Lwezulu reaffirmed his “unwavering loyalty to the Zulu Throne and the Zulu Nation” while expressing appreciation for “the humility, respect and sincerity demonstrated by the Royal Family delegation throughout the engagement.”
As part of the reconciliation process, the delegation presented cattle to the Shembe leadership on behalf of the King. The palace described the symbolic gesture as representing reconciliation, mutual respect and the enduring relationship between the Zulu Throne and the Shembe community.
Welcoming the outcome of the meeting, the Office of the King said His Majesty remained committed to dialogue, mutual respect and family unity as the foundation of the Kingdom’s relationship with traditional leaders and faith communities.
The statement added that the monarchy would continue promoting reconciliation, social cohesion and nation-building in the interests of both present and future generations.
The meeting follows several days of strained relations between the Zulu Royal Household and the Shembe church after a leaked video surfaced earlier this month showing King Misuzulu in a heated argument with Queen Nomzamo Myeni.
The footage, which emerged on 9 July while the King and Queen were undertaking official duties at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace, showed the King accusing the Queen of infidelity, criticising her public conduct and threatening to withdraw financial support from her.
The recording also captured the King making derogatory remarks about Unyazi Lwezulu, referring to him using a disparaging term.
Following widespread public reaction, the palace said the footage was historical and did not reflect the current state of affairs within the royal household. It also maintained that the recordings had been leaked without the King’s knowledge or consent.
King Misuzulu later issued a public apology, acknowledging that his remarks had caused “pain, disappointment, embarrassment and disquiet” among members of the Royal Family, traditional leaders, religious leaders and the wider Zulu nation.
He also announced that a delegation of senior royal elders would personally visit the Shembe church leadership to convey his apology.
Sunday’s engagement with Unyazi Lwezulu appears to fulfil that commitment, with the presentation of cattle serving as a traditional act of reconciliation between the two institutions.
Unyazi Lwezulu, born Mduduzi Shembe, is the leader of the eBuhleni faction of the Nazareth Baptist Church, one of southern Africa’s largest African-initiated churches.
Based at Ebuhleni in Inanda, north of Durban, the church commands a substantial following across KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of South Africa.
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He assumed leadership following the death of his father, Vimbeni Shembe, in 2011, after a lengthy succession dispute that culminated in years of litigation with his cousin, the late Vela Shembe, over control of the church.
The Nazareth Baptist Church has historically maintained close, though at times complex, ties with the Zulu monarchy. Given the church’s significant influence among Zulu-speaking communities, relations between the two institutions carry considerable religious, cultural and political significance.
The latest reconciliation effort also highlights the delicate task facing King Misuzulu as he continues to manage relationships within the Royal Family, traditional leadership structures and influential faith communities while the monarchy remains under intense public scrutiny.
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