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By Celani Sikhakhane
- King Misuzulu kaZwelithini spoke at the First Fruit Amarula Ceremony in Ngwavuma, in the far north of KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday.
- King Misuzulu said illegal foreign nationals are destroying Amarula trees and do not respect the rules of local KwaZulu-Natal communities.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has told illegal foreign nationals to stop moving to rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, saying the land is not enough to go around.
The Zulu King made the call at the First Fruit Amarula Ceremony in Ngwavuma, in the far north of KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday.
“We are still fighting for our land because a lot of it is still not in our hands, therefore we can’t accommodate illegal foreign nationals because the land that we have is not enough,” said King Misuzulu.
He said illegal foreign nationals do not respect local rules and are destroying indigenous plants that form the economic backbone of the province.
“All we want is to preserve our indigenous plants such as Amarula trees and other plants that are an economic backbone of our province. Some of these plants can produce oil but they are being destroyed,” said King Misuzulu.
He said Ngwavuma has the highest density of Amarula trees in KwaZulu-Natal and called for their protection against global warming.
King Misuzulu urged the community and government to use Amarula products, including oils, perfumes and beverages, to boost home-based industries and create local jobs.
He suggested the Ingonyama Trust should lead efforts to commercialise Amarula products so the benefits remain with the Zulu people.
Women and dignitaries from South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique attended the ceremony.
The Umthayi Amarula Festival took place on 14 February 2026 at the eMfihlweni Royal Residence in KwaNgwanase, hosted by Tembe Chief Mabhudu.
Pictured above: His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini taking a sip of Amarula during the First Fruit Festival in Ngwavuma.
Image source: Zulu Royal Kingdom
