By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

King Misuzulu Zwelithihini has voiced dismay in regards to the government after the SADC Summit was held in Kwa-Zulu Natal and did not receive a formal invite to be a part of the proceedings. 

King Misuzulu stated during a press briefing that he had considered sending the zulu regiment, “Amabutho”,  to put a halt to the proceedings at the ICC.

 Despite the Zulu king’s disappointment, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has overtly expressed that a formal invitation was extended to him for the banquet as well as the opening ceremony.

 The video of the King’s press conference which was held at the annual Reed Dance at Machobeni Palace had been circulating online where he voiced his frustrations towards the government. 

He noted that it was disrespectful for foreign heads of state to gather on his land without the input of the host government where he considered putting a stop to the proceedings entirely. 

“To resolve any misunderstanding, the ministry will engage with the private office of the king to establish clarity on the matter,” said DIRCO spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri. 

The department did not elaborate further regarding the breakdown in communication and why the king had appeared unaware of the invite received from the government. The king has also criticised the government of provincial unity.

 The reason for the criticism is due to the fact that the King’s trip to the United Arab Emirates had been sabotaged, as the government had failed to support his trip scheduled to take place from 15-21 October.

 “Where there are events like the mining ndaba and SADC in Durban, why am I not getting invited? As the custodian of this land, how can you come to my house and hold meetings without letting me know? That’s disrespectful. I had an official from Nigeria visiting me and he asked why is the South African government hiding you? Because when we are coming to South Africa, we are always hoping we will get to see the king,” said King Misuzulu. 

The 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government had sat in Durban on 17 August. President Cyril Ramaphosa was the chair as South Africa held the regional chair position. The proceedings held discussions in industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture, and critical minerals and guided under the theme, resilient and inclusive growth.