Video footage appearing to show the Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini on a private video call with a young lady, while smoking a cigarette and showing off an animal sculpture has triggered mixed reactions on social media.
The 48-second video began circulating on X and Facebook on Tuesday, showing what appears to be a screen-recorded video call between the Zulu king and a young lady.
During the call, the king appears to tour a room in his house while smoking a cigarette and showing off his lion sculpture to the other person on the call.
The video ignited a debate on social media, with some calling it inappropriate and others saying it was not.
"What is inappropriate about this video? The fact that a private conversation was exposed or am I missing something?" - Lord Ori
"Discipline has to be a cornerstone of any office... political, religious, or traditional!" - Amukelani Moyani"
"What is inappropriate here... smoking, being on a video call or showing off his spirit animal?" - Cupcake Cuppy"
"I love this king, people must stop being uptight, it's 2026" - Moss
Some asked if the king was taking unknown substances and others questioned the confidence required to tame wild animals.
The identity of the person on the video call, who allegedly recorded the video, is not known yet, leaving the public to question whether it is his daughter or girlfriend.
"Why is this lady always releasing private call videos she used to have with him? Something is up with her, did he promise her marriage and back down?" - Fifilicious
July video leak and public apology
In July, King Misuzulu expressed remorse over another leaked video and apologised to the Shembe church.
The video showed a heated argument with his wife, Queen Nomzamo Myeni, which raised many concerns about their relationship on social media.
The four-minute video, which began circulating online on July 9, showed the king holding what appeared to be a green bottle of alcohol while shouting at the queen during a confrontation.
In the video, King Misuzulu accuses Queen Nomzamo of being unfaithful with a member of the Shembe Church, criticises her conduct as a royal wife and threatens to assault her.
The royal household later expressed "profound concern" over the unauthorised dissemination of the video clips.
thulaganyo.sethibe@iol.co.za
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