South Africa's Zulu king has raised eyebrows by using a highly derogatory term for foreigners and saying they must all leave the country during a much-hyped speech that was supposed to have been aimed at calming anti-migrant feelings in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Warning: This story contains language some people may find offensive
Misuzulu kaZwelithini was addressing his supporters at the place where 20,000 Zulus warriors defeated a British contingent of 1,800 soldiers 147 years ago beneath the rocky outcrop of Isandlwana hill.
The ire of many of King Misuzulu's subjects is now directed not at British invaders but at migrants from neighbouring countries like Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, who have come to South Africa to work. According to official statistics, the country is home to about 2.4 million migrants, about 4% of the population.
King Misuzulu did not advocate violence but said all kwerekwere, a highly offensive word for African migrants, must pack their bags - even if they had established lives in South Africa. He said, We must now sit down and discuss this because even if my nephew's father is a 'kwerekwere', the 'kwerekwere' must leave, only the child will remain, to the delight of his audience.
These comments echo sentiments expressed by his late father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who also incited xenophobic violence in the past. Following his speech, many online users pointed out the irony, as the king himself has familial ties to other African nations.
South Africa has a long history of xenophobic attitudes accompanying high unemployment rates of around 33%, contributing to the belief that migrants are taking jobs and resources from South Africans. King Misuzulu's remarks are stirring fear and concern about possible violence against migrant communities in the country.
The backlash from various human rights organizations has been swift, criticizing the king's words as harmful, reinforcing an ugly narrative that could fuel further violence in an already tense socio-political landscape.
