By Nokwanda Ncwane
The Democratic Alliance (DA) commended AmaZulu King Misizulu kaZwelithini for speaking out against turning young girls/maidens into wives.
The king delivered a powerful speech during the Reed Dance held at the Mashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola on Saturday, 12 September, saying that he will not choose a wife from any of the maidens this year, citing their young age.
“You are my children, I will not choose a wife from any of you. I am around the same age as your mothers,” he said, speaking in Zulu.
The king also advised young women under 16 to avoid romantic relationships and urged those experiencing harassment from men attending the event to report the offenders to his office.
King Misuzulu appears to be taking a different approach from his father, the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, and his uncle, King Mswati III of Eswatini, who are both known for selecting wives from the young maidens participating in the Reed Dance.
Reacting to the king’s speech, DA leader in KZN Francois Rodgers said the monarch’s remarks mark a positive contribution towards efforts aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of young women and girls in the province.
Rodgers said King Misuzulu’s clear opposition to child marriages, a practice that has long affected vulnerable communities, underscores a commitment to modern values and the protection of children’s rights.
“The king’s voice adds tremendous weight to the fight against gender-based violence and against child marriages and child pregnancies. The king’s voice will help to pave the way for a safer, healthier future for all children, especially young girls, in our province,” he said.
Similarly, social media was abuzz, as some users took to X (formerly Twitter) to weigh in on the annual event and the king’s advice.
“I was listening to a clip where King Misuzulu addresses young girls. He said that he won’t choose a wife amongst them because to him, they are daughters, he is the same age as their mothers. He further stated, to those 16yrs old and below in age, that if any men approached them with mjolo nonsense , they should tell the men to come and speak to him and he will deal with them. That is fatherly. Leadership!” @Zweli_Thixo posted.
@mokone_eddie noted that king Misuzulu is “cut from a different cloth from his father and uncle”.
“I am beyond grateful to see his royal highness of the Zulu nation give this outstanding leadership in a time that South Africa really needs!” @beyond_thecurve shared.
“Wow! Wow! Wow!! I suggest that King Mswati should get some advice from King Misuzulu.” @PetuniaTsweleng posted.
