Zulu King Misuzulu Challenges Critic to Stick Fight at Reed Dance

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini of South Africa's Zulu community publicly challenged cultural expert Prof Musa Xulu to a traditional stick fight during the annual Reed Dance at the new eMashobeni Royal Palace, accusing him of insulting both the king and the entire Zulu nation. The king expressed anger over Prof Xulu's criticism, particularly regarding the costly move to the new palace, and warned the media to rely on other academics for commentary on Zulu culture, dismissing Xulu as "useless". Prof Xulu responded that his comments on public finance were not insults and voiced concerns over threats to his safety, having lodged a police complaint. The stick fight challenge, a culturally significant form of martial art among the Zulu, was issued to assert protection of cultural values amid ongoing disputes. King Misuzulu was crowned in 2022 after a contested succession following the death of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini, and despite lacking formal political power, his monarchy holds significant influence over South Africa's large Zulu population. The episode highlights tensions within the Zulu community concerning leadership, cultural representation, and public accountability.