“The king’s voice will help to pave the way for a safer, healthier future for all children, especially young girls, in our province,” said the DA
The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the progressive stance that has been adopted by His Majesty AmaZulu King Misizulu kaZwelithini against the practice of turning young girls into child brides. His Majesty was speaking during the reed dance at the eMachobeni Royal Palance in Ngwavuma, northern KZN, on 6 September 2025.
The king declared that he will never take a bride amongst the maidens, citing their young age. The king discouraged young women under the age of 16 from entering romantic relationships and he called on all young women who are being harassed by men to report perpetrators to his office. The king’s remarks mark a positive contribution to efforts aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of young women and girl children in the province.
According to the DA statement, King Misuzulu’s clear opposition to child marriages, a practice that has long affected vulnerable communities, underscores a commitment to modern values and the protection of children’s rights. The DA further says the king’s voice adds tremendous weight to the fight against gender-based violence and against child marriages and child pregnancies. “The king’s voice will help to pave the way for a safer, healthier future for all children, especially young girls, in our province,” said the DA in the statement.
In conclusion, the DA calls on community leaders, government and all citizens to stand together against child rape, child pregnancy and child marriage. “In KwaZulu Natal we can take guidance from the king to strengthen the ways we can protect the rights and welfare of young girls,” emphasized the DA. The DA calls on South Africa at large to support national probe into how provincial government departments are fulfilling their obligations under the Children’s Act to ensure that men who have sex with young girls can be prosecuted and jailed.
