King Misuzulu challenges so-called detractor to stick fight during reed dance

JOHANNESBURG - AmaZulu monarch King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has challenged what he’s called his detractor to a stick fight in an angry address to maidens during the annual reed dance this weekend.

The king of the AmaZulu nation singled out cultural analyst and professor Musa Xulu during Saturday’s event, accusing him of disrespect for his criticism of the royal house.

He made the tongue-lashing in front of thousands of maidens gathered at eMashobeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal for the first time in the history of the longstanding tradition.

It’s understood King Misuzulu was angered by Xulu’s criticism of the decision to move the reed dance from the eNyokeni Palace to his palace, eMashobeni.

Millions of rands were recently spent renovating the old palace for cultural events, including a R140 million price tag on a new dome at the precinct.

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The AmaZulu monarch previously defended the decision, describing the move as an attempt to establish his own legacy.

While he said it’s not a call to the AmaZulu nation to attack Xulu, he added he was willing to go at it in a stick-fighting match with anyone who cast doubt on customs.

"The nations are angry - we are angry. We will do anything to protect our cultures. Do you understand?"

The king said Xulu's experience in academia doesn't qualify him to tell the monarch how to do his job.