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South Africa’s Zulu monarch, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has publicly challenged a prominent cultural expert to a traditional stick fight, accusing him of insulting not only the king but the entire Zulu nation.
The challenge was issued before thousands of spectators during the annual Reed Dance festival at the king’s newly constructed royal palace in eMashobeni. The event is a cornerstone of Zulu tradition and draws large crowds each year.
“We are angry, and we will do anything to protect and preserve our culture,” the king declared, as reported by the media.
His comments were directed at Professor Musa Xulu, a respected academic with doctorates in Zulu music and cultural tourism. According to reports, King Misuzulu took offense at remarks Prof Xulu made in a media interview criticizing the decision to move the Reed Dance to the newly built palace—questioning the expenditure of 152 million rand (~$9 million) on renovations to the old Enyokeni palace, which had hosted the ceremony since 1984.
“It pains me to see another man telling me how to do my job,” said the king, in what was described by IOL as an unusually brief speech for such a significant cultural event. “If his friends are here, go and tell him there is a fighting ring—if he wants a stick fight, I can take him up on it.”
While the Zulu monarchy holds no official political power, it remains one of the most influential cultural institutions in South Africa, commanding deep respect among the country’s estimated 14 million Zulus and receiving more than $4.9 million in annual state funding.
Prof Xulu, 64, dismissed the challenge as symbolic, but said he feared for his safety after receiving death threats. “I have received threats from hired assassins,” he told the press, adding that he has filed a police complaint. “I take the king’s comments as a joke, but I’m concerned about those who might take them literally.”
He emphasized that his remarks were about public finance, not personal insults. “Talking about public spending is not an attack on the king,” he said. “I’m not his spokesperson—I have nothing personal against him.”
Addressing the proposed stick fight—a ritual deeply rooted in Zulu tradition—Prof Xulu said the practice was reserved for equals, adding, “I’m not equal to the king.” He also noted that he hasn’t participated in a stick fight since before his teenage years.
King Misuzulu was officially crowned in 2022 following a turbulent royal succession dispute after the deaths of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini, and mother. Though challenged by two of his brothers, he has since been formally recognized by the royal household and the South African government.
The Zulu kingdom carries a proud legacy, famously defeating British forces at the 1879 Battle of Isandlwana. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of cultural identity for millions across South Africa.
