Khumbudzo Ntshavheni Faces Backlash Over “Language Equality” Remarks Involving Zulu King

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni is facing intense criticism following remarks she made during a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday, 7 May 2026. She suggested she would only learn isiZulu once the Zulu King learns her native Tshivenda.

The Minister was responding to a question on whether she would learn IsiZulu. This question stemmed from an earlier incident at a protest linked to the “March and March” movement in Vosloorus. During that event, a crowd interrupted Ntshavheni while she was addressing them in Tshivenda and Sepedi, demanding she switch to IsiZulu.

When asked about her willingness to learn IsiZulu, the Minister gave her now-controversial response. She said, “Maybe I will wait for the King of the Zulus to learn to speak Tshivenda, Xitsonga, and Sepedi. Then I will also learn to speak IsiZulu. Because no people have the right to demand that I speak their language if they cannot speak my language.”

Critics were quick to highlight the irony that she delivered this statement fluently in isiZulu. Some also pointed out that she continues to use English without similar demands for reciprocity.

Journalist Sihle Mavuso shared a video clip of her remarks on Facebook, with the simple caption: “Oh”. The video triggered a wave of angry reactions, particularly from Zulu users. However, some defended the Minister, citing the constitutional equality of all official languages.

March and March founder Jacinta Ngobese reshared the video asking: “Kshuthi usisi ulwa namaZulu??? Aibo kuyaliwa moss la” (Does this mean this sister is fighting the Zulus??? This is a fight).

Mandla Chris also shared the clip, and many of his followers interpreted the Minister’s remarks as provocative and disrespectful.

The strongest backlash has centred on her reference to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. In Zulu tradition, the King holds a position of significant cultural and traditional authority.

By suggesting the King must learn her languages before she learns IsiZulu, the Minister has been widely accused of disrespect and arrogance. Many view the comment as placing herself on equal footing with the Monarch, describing it as culturally insensitive and tribally provocative.