Cape Town – Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has appealed for calm and restraint amid growing tensions surrounding migration, urging members of the Zulu nation not to resort to violence against foreign nationals.
Speaking at the 12th International Day of Yoga celebration held at Durban’s Amphitheatre on Sunday under the theme “Yoga for Anti-Ageing”, the king stressed that no grievance, regardless of how serious, justifies violence or bloodshed.
According to IOL, King Misuzulu acknowledged concerns around undocumented migration but emphasised that such issues must be addressed peacefully and within the law.
“We do not want anyone without papers in this country, because we also cannot go to their countries without papers,” the king said.
He noted that migration is often driven by hardship, with people leaving their home countries in search of better opportunities to support their families.
Looking specifically at the growing anti-immigration sentiment, the monarch urged compassion and understanding. “I’m asking you, Zulus, let no blood be shed. Do not hit these people. Suffering brought them here. Just as we suffer,” he said.
King Misuzulu said he had spoken to Ngizwe Mchunu and Phakelamthakathi, urging them not to attack undocumented foreign nationals.
He also pleaded with South Africans to refrain from such attacks, saying many foreigners are in the country due to poverty in their home countries pic.twitter.com/Njxuja9GDT
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) June 21, 2026
King Misuzulu revealed that he had discussed the matter with anti-illegal immigration activists Phakel’umthakathi and Ngizwe Mchunu, reiterating that violence should not be tolerated.
“I spoke to Phakel’umthakathi and Ngizwe. No one must be beaten. No one wants to feel pain,” he said.
The king also highlighted the significance of yoga as a symbol of peace and unity, describing it as an international language that South Africans should embrace.
His remarks came amid increasing public debate around migration and planned demonstrations against illegal immigration.
According to GCIS, King Misuzulu recently met with a government delegation led by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, alongside members of the Royal House, to discuss planned anti-illegal immigration protests scheduled for 30 June.
The engagement focused on encouraging communities to raise concerns about illegal immigration through lawful and peaceful means.
In a statement released on Monday, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said the meeting was constructive and successful.
“The Royal House reaffirmed its commitment to peace, stability and the rule of law, and undertook to encourage its followers to ensure that any demonstrations remain peaceful and within the confines of the law,” the statement said.
“The Royal House also committed to discouraging acts of violence, intimidation and criminality, while supporting efforts to preserve social cohesion and public order.”
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has urged Zulu people to stop attacking foreign nationals, warning that xenophobic violence damages South Africa’s reputation and could put South Africans living across Africa at risk. pic.twitter.com/jqyhxqShVi
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) June 21, 2026
Following the engagement, the delegation visited a repatriation centre in Durban, where hundreds of Malawian nationals had gathered for processing before returning to Malawi.
The purpose of the visit was to assess whether the repatriation process was being conducted in an orderly, efficient, safe and humane manner, while ensuring that all legal and administrative requirements were being followed.
Meanwhile, the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster has reiterated its readiness to maintain safety and security across the country.
According to government, comprehensive operational plans are in place and law enforcement agencies remain prepared to protect lives and property, maintain public order and uphold the rule of law.
The government has also urged citizens to exercise their right to protest responsibly and peacefully.
“The JCPS cluster therefore urges and reminds citizens that all gatherings must be exercised responsibly and without violence, intimidation, incitement, damage to property or disruption of essential services,” government said.
A government delegation led by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has met with the Prime Minister of the Zulu Kingdom, Inkosi Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and members of the Royal House to discuss planned protests against illegal immigration at the end… pic.twitter.com/MB1ixtJix8
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) June 22, 2026
Authorities further called on communities to reject misinformation, refrain from taking the law into their own hands and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
