Prince Africa Zulu, the Deputy Royal Chancellor of the Zulu Kingdom, has denied allegations that he procured women for King Misuzulu. In a statement, Prince Africa said he had never procured a woman on behalf of the King, describing the claims as exceptionally serious and damaging to the King and the Zulu Royal House. The allegations relate to a woman identified as Lelethu Mpondo, whom Prince Africa is accused of procuring for the Zulu King for improper or sexual purposes.
The allegations first surfaced as an online campaign and were later brought to Prince Africa's attention by the Kwanele Foundation, which claimed to have emails suggesting impropriety. Prince Africa said he did not understand the basis of the accusation that he was "procuring women" for the King. He added that the situation was a cause for concern for the Royal House, and that the allegations affect not only the dignity and reputation of the King and himself, but also the integrity of the institution of the Zulu monarchy.
Prince Africa stated that he first met Mpondo years ago in Sandton, where she had introduced herself as Chief or Inkosi Ndamase. This was the basis on which he allowed her to be introduced to the King. He later learned that she had misrepresented herself and was not connected to the Ndamase family as she had claimed. Prince Africa said that, relying on the identity and family connection she had presented, he approached King Misuzulu and facilitated an introduction in a public setting.
According to Prince Africa, the introduction was not arranged for any romantic, intimate or sexual purpose. He claimed that Mpondo independently obtained the King's telephone number and contacted him without his knowledge. Prince Africa said he did not provide her with the King's private telephone number, nor did he arrange subsequent meetings between them or facilitate subsequent communications.
Prince Africa further stated that he was not party to any alleged personal relationship between Mpondo and the King, and cannot responsibly comment on private interactions that he did not witness. He said the allegation came to a head when he was asked about them by the NGO, and that he had truthfully responded that he did not know Mpondo when asked about her by the Kwanele Foundation.
Political and cultural expert Professor Musa Xulu said the allegations involving Prince Africa, the King and a woman from the Eastern Cape were serious. He noted that the reputation of the Royal House had already been damaged by repeated negative publicity and deep internal divisions. Attempts to contact the Kwanele Foundation were unsuccessful.
Prince Africa concluded by stating that he had never recruited, procured, encouraged or facilitated Mpondo, or any other woman, for a sexual or intimate relationship with the King. Any allegation to the contrary concerning his conduct is categorically rejected. The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of the Zulu Royal House and the King's personal life.
Key points
- Prince Africa Zulu denies procuring women for King Misuzulu.
- The allegations first surfaced as an online campaign and were later brought to Prince Africa's attention by the Kwanele Foundation.
- The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of the Zulu Royal House and the King's personal life.
