Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini publicly confronted cultural analyst Professor Musa Xulu during the annual Reed Dance Festival on Saturday, accusing him of disrespecting the monarchy and the Zulu nation, while proposing a traditional stick fight to settle the matter.

The event, held for the first time at the king's new eMashobeni Royal Palace in northern KwaZulu-Natal, attracted thousands of young maidens, traditional leaders, and dignitaries including former President Jacob Zuma, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, Inkosi Sifiso Shinga, the Rain Queen Modjadji of the Balobedu, and representatives from eSwatini.

In a speech lasting under 20 minutes, King Misuzulu urged media outlets to consult established experts like Professors Jabulani Maphalala, Otty Nxumalo, and Sihawu Ngubane from the University of KwaZulu-Natal for commentary on Zulu culture, dismissing Xulu as "useless" and an opponent to his reign since 2021.

The king expressed frustration over Xulu's alleged insults, stating they not only targeted him personally but also the Zulu people. "It is okay if he is against me, but when he insults me, he insults the Zulu nation as well," Misuzulu said, warning that his supporters would protect him and the culture by any means. He then escalated the rhetoric, challenging Xulu directly: "If his friends are here, go and tell him that there is a fighting ring if he wants a stick fight because I can take him up," adding that a stick serves to "discipline an ill-disciplined person." The king did not specify Xulu's comments that prompted the rebuke but emphasized he did not seek violence against anyone.

Responding to the remarks, Professor Xulu, who holds three PhDs from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the University of Zululand, and Christian Leadership University in the U.S., and is pursuing a fourth, defended his independence. "He always wants a war with me. I am an independent analyst with a PhD in cultural studies. Does he want me to be his praise singer?" Xulu told reporters, noting that media seek him out for his academic insights. He expressed concern over potential risks to his safety, saying, "He has said it," despite the king's disclaimer against violence.

The Reed Dance, or uMkhosi woMhlanga, traditionally celebrates chastity and mentors young women on cultural values, and this year's relocation from the eNyokeni Palace in Nongoma to eMashobeni marked a shift under King Misuzulu's leadership.