A new video purportedly showing His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini in a relaxed private setting is trending across Facebook, X and TikTok in South Africa.
The short clip, which has been shared widely since the weekend, allegedly shows the King enjoying music in a room, smoking, and having a video call. In the background, cool music can be heard playing. The man in the video appears to be in good spirits and is said to be speaking to his wife on the call.
The South African has not independently verified the authenticity of the new video, and as of today, the Office of the King has not released an official statement about this specific clip.
The video appears to have been recorded in a private space without professional lighting or official royal presence, which has raised questions about who recorded it and how it reached social media.
Within hours of appearing online, the video collected thousands of reactions. On Facebook pages in Durban and across KZN, the comment sections have been divided.
Some supporters defended the King, arguing that what a person does in his private home is his own business.
“This is his private time. He is also human. Let him relax at home,” one user wrote.
“If it’s at home with his wife on the phone, why must we share it? Privacy matters,” another commented.
Other users were more critical, saying that as the King of the Zulu nation and a prominent cultural figure, public expectations are higher, even in private moments.
“The King is a symbol of our culture. He must always carry himself with dignity, even at home,” a comment read.
“These videos keep coming out. Who is leaking them from inside?” another asked.
This is not the first time King Misuzulu has found himself at the center of a viral video controversy.
In July 2026, a video in which a man purported to be the King was heard insulting Queen Nomzamo Myeni and Shembe Church leader Mduduzi Shembe went viral.
The Office of the King later confirmed that footage was real but said it was filmed weeks earlier in a private family setting and shared without the King’s knowledge or consent.
The King issued a formal apology through his office, stating he deeply regrets the hurt caused and acknowledging that leadership requires wisdom, patience and respect even during personal difficulty.
Shembe Church leader Mduduzi Shembe later forgave the King, saying he understood that the King was intoxicated at the time and asking people to stop spreading the video.
In September 2026, another video allegedly showing the King waving a firearm at his birthday celebration also trended.
That clip, shared on X on 26 September shortly after his 52nd birthday, showed a “Happy Birthday” message in the background and drew mixed reactions online, with some criticizing the act and others defending it as an antique or gift.
The pattern of leaked private videos has led to renewed discussion about privacy and security inside royal residences.
Traditional Prime Minister Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi and other senior royals have in the past expressed concern about unauthorized recordings being leaked to damage the image of the throne.
Analysts say the position of the Zulu King is unique. He is both a constitutional monarch recognized by the South African state and a sacred cultural leader for millions of AmaZulu. That dual role means his private life often becomes public interest, whether he intends it or not.
“Social media has changed how royalty is viewed. Every private moment can become national news within minutes,” said one cultural commentator in Durban.
For now, most official responses have focused on privacy rather than the content itself. The Palace has previously stated that private family conversations should not be recorded and distributed without consent, and that leaking such material is irresponsible.
As the video continues to circulate, many online users are calling for caution.
“Before we share, we must ask if this is true and if sharing helps anyone. If it’s his wife he is calling, this is a family matter,” a user on Facebook wrote.
The King is expected to attend upcoming traditional events in Nongoma and Umlazi in the coming weeks, where attention will likely shift back to his official duties.
Until an official statement is released, the public is urged to avoid spreading unverified footage and to respect the privacy of the royal family.
