The king's speech - and why it has foreigners in South Africa worried

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 6 min read 100% complete February 1, 2026 at 01:00 AM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

During a speech in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini used a derogatory term ("kwerekwere") for African migrants and stated they should leave the country. The speech, intended to ease anti-migrant sentiment, took place at a commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana. His remarks, delivered to a receptive audience, have sparked concern due to South Africa's history of xenophobia and violence against migrants from neighboring countries like Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. The king's comments echo similar statements made by his late father in 2015, which also drew criticism. The presence of roughly 2.4 million migrants in South Africa, coupled with high unemployment, fuels the ongoing tensions.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Eswatini 40% Anglo-Zulu war 40% Goodwill Zwelithini 40% Lesotho 50% Mozambique 50% Zimbabwe 50% Zulus ×260% Isandlwana ×260% KwaZulu-Natal 70% South Africa ×480% Misuzulu kaZwelithini ×290%

Keywords

xenophobia 90% south africa 80% migrants 80% zulu king 70% foreigners 60% hate speech 60% misuzulu kazwelithini 60% kwerekwere 50% anti-migrant sentiment 50% unemployment 40%