Zulu King Misuzulu Criticized for Plans to Replace KZN Taverns with Churches

King Misuzulu’s Controversial Statement
The King of the Zulu Nation, Misuzulu kaZwelithini, sparked widespread debate after announcing his intention to close taverns and nightclubs in KwaZulu-Natal and replace them with churches. Speaking at a recent event, King Misuzulu criticized the negative impact of alcohol consumption in local communities, attributing many of the province’s social challenges to the proliferation of taverns.

The video of his speech, shared by Newzroom Afrika, captured the King expressing his concern over the influence of these establishments. He declared that taverns and nightclubs were destroying the nation, stating it would be better for society if more churches replaced these places. He further said that God had chosen him to lead the Zulu people and that he is constantly surrounded by pastors guiding him spiritually.

The King’s Personal and Leadership Struggles
King Misuzulu’s remarks come amid his own personal and leadership controversies. In December 2024, he dismissed Thulasizwe Buthelezi, KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, from his role as the Zulu Nation’s prime minister.

Additionally, his personal life made headlines in early 2025 when he filed for divorce and announced plans to marry another woman. He later canceled his wedding to fiancée Nomzamo Myeni after his first wife, Ntokozo, tried to block the marriage in court. Although the court dismissed Ntokozo’s application, the events reflected tensions in his personal affairs. Reports also suggested that his relationship with his brother and former spokesperson, Simphiwe Zulu, had become strained, allegedly due to a relationship involving Myeni.

Public Reaction: Calls for Economic Development, Not Churches
The King’s remarks about replacing taverns with churches were met with strong criticism from South Africans online. Many people felt that his approach was out of touch with the country’s economic realities. Social media users argued that rather than focusing on building more churches, the King should prioritize initiatives that create jobs and empower the youth.

One user, Vincy, criticized the King’s proposal, saying, “When the nation is led by the blind. Closing taverns should be followed by creating employment.” Others echoed similar sentiments, calling for factories, youth centers, libraries, and skills development programs instead of churches.

Sbusiso Nkabinde asked how building more churches would help reduce poverty and high youth unemployment. “We need factories and skills training to empower people to feed themselves,” he added. Another commenter, Donovan Calin Meyer, stressed the need for job creation centers, manufacturing facilities, and educational institutions focused on technology and artificial intelligence.

Some simply dismissed the King’s idea as unrealistic, with one person commenting, “Our King lives in a fantasy world.”

Misuzulu’s Religious Alignment
In June 2024, King Misuzulu made history by becoming the first Zulu monarch baptized into the Shembe Church. Traditionally, Zulu royals have been baptized in the Anglican Church. His shift towards Shembe further emphasized his strong religious alignment, which may have influenced his desire to increase church presence in the province.

Conclusion
While King Misuzulu’s concerns about alcohol abuse are shared by many, his proposed solution of replacing taverns with churches drew backlash from citizens who believe that focusing on economic growth, education, and skills development is the real solution to the province’s challenges. South Africans are calling for practical strategies that address unemployment and poverty rather than increasing places of worship.