King Goodwill Zwelithini will clarify his recent comments about homosexuality during a media briefing on Saturday.
According to The Times newspaper, Zwelithini told guests in Nquthu that "traditionally" there were no people who engaged in same sex-relationships.
"There was nothing like that and if you do it, you must know that you are rotten. I don't care how you feel about it. If you do it, you must know that it is wrong and you are rotten. Same sex is not acceptable," he was quoted as saying.
Zwelithini reportedly said this as he delivered his speech on Sunday at the 133rd commemoration of the January 22 1879 battle of Isandlwana.
The statement attributed to the king has caused a stir.
Some people have criticised reporters for "reckless" interpretation. Gays and lesbian activist groups have criticised the statement attributed to the king.
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