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 Battle of Isandlwana, fought during the Anglo-Zulu war, is something many Zulus wear like a badge of honour: they fought against a foreign army and won - the foreigners were cowed.
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.
The 51-year-old monarch did not advocate violence but said all kwerekwere, an offensive word for African migrants, must pack their bags - even if they were in relationships with South Africans and had children with them.
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, he said on Thursday to the delight of his audience - a response which prompted him to burst out laughing.
Ironically, many online have pointed out this remark considering the king's own mother was from Eswatini and one of his wives is also from the neighbouring kingdom.
Xenophobic attitudes in South Africa have long been a pressing concern, sparking deadly outbreaks of violence. The king's comments echo his late father Goodwill Zwelithini, who urged migrants in 2015 to pack their belongings. King Misuzulu later tried to backtrack, claiming he was misquoted, but the country's human rights body characterized his remarks as hurtful and harmful.
In South Africa, where unemployment is about 33%, many see foreigners as stealing jobs and resources. As tension rises, vigilante anti-migrant groups have emerged, leading to protests and confrontations in various areas.
Moving forward, experts emphasize the need for proper discourse surrounding public sentiment towards migrants, particularly given the historical context of such animosities in South Africa.
