By Sydney Keya
AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has vowed to protect women from gender-based violence (GBV), while questioning men over their involvement in such acts.
King Misuzulu made the remarks while addressing thousands of people at the Umkhosi weLembe event at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi on Heritage Day, 24 September.
“Women, I am here. I will protect you. Why are you men doing this to women? Man up, take responsibility and show that you are a man. Protect women. Why do you do what you do?”
“If alcohol is the reason for that, if it is too much to handle and makes you engage in bad habits, leave it,” Misuzulu said.
His comments come as police continue to highlight the link between alcohol use and violent crime.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), 7267 incidents of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, rape, attempted murder and murder were linked to alcohol use during the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.
In the report, the acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said alcohol abuse and violence needed to be addressed.
“We must address the toxic role of alcohol abuse and violence. The more alcohol we consume, the more violence we will suffer. We need to understand this fact and start taking action to reduce alcohol consumption,” Cachalia said.
Some of those who attended the event welcomed the King’s call for men to take a stand against GBV.
Sandile Gumede cited the situation in Ekurhuleni – nine bodies of women were recently discovered- as particularly concerning and urged men to join the fight against violence against women.
“Eish, the country is in a bad state right now. We are aware of what has happened in Ekurhuleni. The number of women killed, I don’t want to lie, it’s bad.
“Imagine what their families are going through. What needs to happen is for us to join the fight against GBV. These are our sisters?” he asked.
Another attendee, Yenziwe Mtshali, said women live in fear because they do not know who could become the next victim.
“In KwaMakhutha, a pregnant woman was shot dead. We see on social media that women are being beaten up by men, and they have the audacity to film them.”
“Some are influential men threatening women, saying if they kill them nothing is going to happen. Really, what have we done to men?” she said.
The King also addressed his relationship with the Nazareth Baptist Church, saying that he and the church are one and that no one can separate him from Nyazilwezulu, whom he described as his father.
This follows the circulation of a video on social media in which the Zulu king appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and is alleged to have sworn at the church leader.
King Misuzulu reiterated that he and the church leader are united and inseparable.
