The love life of South Africa’s Zulu monarch, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has captivated the nation and stirred controversy among his traditionalist subjects. His decision to pursue a legal divorce from his first wife, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela, has raised eyebrows, as divorce is not customary within Zulu royal traditions.
Polygamy has long been a cornerstone of Zulu royalty, allowing kings to take multiple wives to strengthen political ties and secure their legacy. However, divorce is nearly unheard of. Cultural expert Professor Gugu Mazibuko of the University of Johannesburg explained that historically, a Zulu king does not cast away his wife, even if the marriage is strained. Instead, the queen would typically continue residing within the royal homestead, with her status intact and her children well cared for.
“Everyone was puzzled. People were not expecting the king to go so far as to file for divorce,” Prof. Mazibuko told the BBC.
Despite this long-standing tradition, King Misuzulu formally filed for divorce in December, citing that he and Queen kaMayisela had not lived as husband and wife for over a year. His move was followed by palace invitations for his planned wedding to a new bride, Nomzamo Myeni, in January 2025—an event that was subsequently postponed after legal intervention from Queen kaMayisela.
The king’s marital struggles extend beyond his divorce battle. His second marriage to Nozizwe kaMulela, a high-ranking banker from Eswatini, has also come into question. While lobola (bride price) was reportedly paid in 2022, speculation lingers over whether the marriage was properly formalized, as Queen kaMulela has not been seen at recent royal events.
Meanwhile, the king’s attempt to wed Nomzamo Myeni stalled after his estranged first wife legally challenged the marriage. Queen kaMayisela argued that her civil marriage to the king needed to be converted into a traditional Zulu union before he could take additional wives. The court dismissed her case, noting that she had initially accepted the king’s right to polygamy.
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Despite receiving court approval, the king’s January wedding to Ms. Myeni never took place, leading many to wonder whether it ever will. In Zulu tradition, once a wedding is postponed, it often does not proceed.
Adding further intrigue, reports have emerged of yet another prospective bride, Sihle Mdluli, from a South African royal family. Insiders suggest she may be given the esteemed title of “mother of the nation,” a role that would make her the most senior queen and potentially place her children in line for the throne.
Beyond his personal life, King Misuzulu’s rule has faced its share of turbulence. His ascension to the throne in 2021 was fraught with disputes, as his half-brother, Prince Simakade Zulu, continues to challenge his legitimacy. The ongoing legal battle has cast uncertainty over his reign, despite President Cyril Ramaphosa granting him official recognition.
Compounding his troubles, the king has made controversial governance decisions, including dismissing senior officials and unilaterally appointing himself as chairman of the Ingonyama Trust, which controls vast tracts of land in KwaZulu-Natal. This move has drawn criticism from the South African government, as it places him in a position requiring parliamentary accountability—an unusual role for a constitutional monarch.
Experts suggest that King Misuzulu’s personal and political decisions could weaken his standing within the royal family and among his subjects. Prof. Musa Xulu of the University of Zululand believes the king’s handling of his marriages reflects deeper issues regarding his preparedness for leadership.
“I am not sure whether he was ready to be king or whether he has good advisers,” he remarked.
As tensions rise, some royal insiders speculate that a fresh challenge to his rule could emerge, with rival factions seeking to have him declared unfit for the throne. With legal battles, postponed weddings, and mounting scrutiny, King Misuzulu’s future as the custodian of Zulu traditions remains uncertain.
For now, South Africa watches as the drama unfolds—where love, power, and tradition collide in the life of the Zulu king.
