Zulu Monarch Calls for Foreigners to Depart Amid Rising Tensions Over School Clashes
In a speech laden with cultural significance and political weight, Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has called for migrants to leave South Africa. The monarch's remarks, delivered during the commemoration of the historic Battle of Isandlwana, come in the wake of violent clashes at a primary school in Durban where foreign nationals were scapegoated for a lack of student placements.
"We must sit down and discuss this," the King told attendees. "Even if my nephew or niece is born of a foreign national, that foreign national must leave, while my nephew or niece should remain." His comments, which included a derogatory term for African migrants, directly address a growing sentiment in KwaZulu-Natal province. While emphasizing dialogue and warning against vigilantism, the 51-year-old king's message was clear: foreign-born adults are not welcome to stay.
The timing of his address is critical. Last month, police used water cannon and stun grenades to disperse protests outside Addington Primary School in Durban. Anti-immigration activists, alleging the school prioritized immigrants' children, clashed with authorities. Provincial officials later stated that 37% of the school's pupils are immigrants, with only 12 lacking documentation.
Though the Zulu monarchy holds no formal political power, King Misuzulu's words carry immense influence among the nation's 12 million Zulus, who view him as a custodian of tradition. His stance mirrors that of his late father, King Goodwill Zwelithini, who in 2015 told migrants to "pack their belongings."
Immigration remains a volatile and exploitable issue in South African politics. As the continent's most industrialized economy, the nation has long been a magnet for those fleeing economic hardship in neighboring Malawi, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Mozambique. A generous post-apartheid asylum system compounded this flow. Yet, with unemployment near 33%, migrants are often blamed for stealing jobs, overwhelming services, and fueling crime. This hostility has repeatedly erupted into deadly violence, notably in 2008, 2015, and 2019.
Political parties are promising tougher lines on undocumented migration, while grassroots groups like Operation Dudula patrol communities to exclude foreigners from public services. However, data complicates the narrative. National statistics indicate immigrants constitute just 3.9% of the population (2.4 million), and the education department notes foreign pupils make up less than 2% of the national student body.
Analysts warn the king's rhetoric is dangerous. "Such comments only serve to fuel anti-migrant sentiment and should be strongly condemned," said Lizette Lancaster of the Institute for Security Studies.
Voices from the Community
Nomsa Dlamini, 42, Teacher in Durban: "The King speaks from a place of concern for our culture and our people's opportunities. Our schools and clinics are stretched. We need a proper discussion, not violence, about how we manage this."
David van Niekerk, 55, Small Business Owner in Pretoria: "This is irresponsible rhetoric. Migrants contribute massively to our economy and society. Scapegoating them for government's failure to create jobs and build schools is a cheap political trick, and now the monarchy is joining in."
Grace Chibwe, 38, Community Nurse from Malawi: "I've lived here 12 years, I pay taxes, I care for South African patients. To hear we are not wanted... it hurts and it frightens me. We are people, not a problem."
Siyabonga Mkhize, 29, Unemployed Graduate in Johannesburg: "He's right! They come here and take the few jobs there are. Why should we compete in our own country? The King is the only one with the courage to say what everyone is thinking."