Zulu King Misuzulu sparks xenophobia backlash after ‘Amakwerekwere’ remarks at Isandlwana commemoration

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | February 3, (Running Africa) — The remarks were made during the 147th annual commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana in KwaZulu-Natal, a landmark event marking a decisive Zulu victory over British colonial forces in 1879. The ceremony is traditionally framed as a celebration of Zulu heritage, unity, and cultural pride.

Instead, the king's comments overshadowed the occasion and sparked widespread condemnation. Addressing supporters, Misuzulu said that all "amakwerekwere"—a slur widely regarded as offensive and dehumanizing when used to describe African migrants—should leave South Africa, even if they have familial ties to citizens.

"Even if my nephew's father is a 'kwerekwere,' the 'kwerekwere' must leave; only the child will remain," the king said, drawing laughter from parts of the crowd.

Condemnation from civil society

Civil society organizations, legal experts, and commentators swiftly criticized the language, warning that rhetoric from influential leaders can normalize hostility toward migrants. While the monarch did not explicitly call for violence, critics argue the remarks risk legitimizing xenophobic attitudes in a country with a history of anti-migrant attacks.

Human rights lawyer Dr Vusumuzi Sibanda told the BBC that language used by powerful public figures can have dangerous downstream effects. He warned that such statements may embolden individuals or groups to "take the law into their own hands" against foreign nationals.

A sensitive national context

South Africa is home to an estimated 2.4 million migrants, primarily from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Mozambique. Economic inequality, high unemployment, and strained public services have repeatedly fueled tensions, culminating in deadly xenophobic violence in 2008 and 2015, when foreign-owned businesses and communities were targeted.

More recently, in 2025, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) condemned actions by anti-migrant groups that blocked non-South Africans from accessing healthcare facilities in provinces including Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. The organization said pregnant women, children, and people with chronic illnesses were among those denied care.

Growing calls for accountability

The controversy has renewed calls for traditional leaders and elected officials alike to exercise restraint and responsibility when speaking about migration. Analysts note that words carry particular weight when spoken at cultural events tied to identity and history, especially in a climate already marked by social and economic strain.

As criticism continues to mount, the episode has reignited a broader national debate about leadership, accountability, and South Africa's ongoing struggle to balance migration realities with social cohesion.