Shembe forgives King Misuzulu after ‘idiot’ insult

By Celani Sikhakhane

• Inkosi Mduduzi Nyazilwezulu Shembe says he has forgiven King Misuzulu kaZwelithini for calling him an “idiot” in a viral video and has urged church members to let go of their anger.

• King Misuzulu has apologised for the remarks, saying he embarrassed the Zulu throne and the Zulu nation, while senior members of the royal family have been sent to apologise to the Shembe leader.

The leader of the Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church has forgiven King Misuzulu kaZwelithini after the monarch publicly called him an “idiot” in a viral video.

Speaking to thousands of worshippers during the church’s annual July pilgrimage at eBuhleni on Saturday, Inkosi Mduduzi Nyazilwezulu Shembe said there was no reason to continue holding a grudge against the King.

Instead, he urged church members to forgive him.

“I have forgiven His Majesty because he was under the influence,” said Shembe.

“I also call upon you as members of the church to forgive him unconditionally.”

Shembe said he believes people who insult others while sober should examine their own behaviour before judging the King.

“It is understandable that His Majesty was intoxicated, but there are people in this church who insult me every day while they are sober,” he said.

“I see no reason not to forgive the Zulu King.”

The public dispute began after a video recorded by the King’s third wife, Queen Nomzamo kaMyeni, spread widely on social media.

In the video, King Misuzulu criticised the Queen for attending public events without informing him.

One of those events was a visit to the Kaizer Chiefs training camp, where Queen kaMyeni encouraged players before a match.

The King said he only learnt about the visit after seeing it on social media.

During his remarks, he also referred to the Shembe Church leader using insulting language.

The video quickly attracted national attention and sparked criticism from royal supporters, church members and the public.

On Friday, King Misuzulu publicly apologised.

He admitted that his words had embarrassed the Zulu throne, the royal family and the Zulu nation.

The King also apologised directly to Inkosi Mduduzi Nyazilwezulu Shembe and asked senior members of the royal family to deliver a personal apology on his behalf.

Despite the controversy, relations between the King and Queen kaMyeni appear to have improved.

On Saturday, they travelled together on a private jet to Zimbabwe, where they are expected to meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Their discussions are expected to include immigration issues affecting both South Africa and Zimbabwe.

For Shembe, however, the message to his followers was simple.

He said forgiveness is more powerful than anger and urged members of the church not to allow the controversy to divide them.

Pictured above: Inkosi Mduduzi Nyazilwezulu Shembe says he has forgiven King Misuzulu kaZwelithini after the monarch apologised for insulting him.

Image source: Shembe Instagram