Zulu Queen Ntokozo Mayisela has finally broken her silence regarding her absence from recent royal events, asserting that the reasons are personal and known to King MisuZulu ka Zwelithini. In a statement, she expressed her commitment to the Zulu throne and clarified misunderstandings that have circulated in the media.
The queen's absence was notably felt during significant occasions such as the Annual Reed Dance at Enyokeni Palace and the King’s 50th birthday celebration. Speculation intensified as sources suggested that her relationship with the king has become strained, particularly following his marriage to Queen Nomzamo KaMyeni-Zulu in May this year. A source indicated that Queen Ntokozo feels overshadowed by the new queen, leading to her decision to withdraw from public life. "She feels left out because the king spends more time with the new wife," the source revealed.
In her statement, Queen Ntokozo reassured the Zulu nation of her unwavering dedication: “I would like to assure the Zulu nation that I remain fully dedicated to the Zulu throne. My love and passion for this beautiful nation, along with my commitment to building and supporting it, have never wavered and will never change." She emphasised that her absence is a private matter, one that King MisuZulu is fully aware of.
Addressing the swirling rumours, the queen also clarified her family situation. Reports had emerged claiming she gave birth to a third child and was opposed to polygamy. “I have two very handsome boys. I have not given birth to any other child besides my boys. I have no objection to polygamy (isithembu),” she stated.
Mbewe's distress has been compounded by social media attacks, which she described as defamation of her character. “The constant defamation of my character on social media has caused me and my children great distress,” she said. “I have never responded to false rumours spread about me in the past but my silence has been taken advantage of."
The situation in the Zulu royal family has been complicated by the dynamics between the queens. According to insiders, the honeymoon phase between King MisuZulu and Queen Nomzamo has created a rift, with Queen Ntokozo feeling increasingly isolated. “She chose not to attend these events due to feelings of embarrassment about facing the community,” a source disclosed.
The queen's recent absence from key events has raised eyebrows. She reportedly moved out of the royal palace in Ulundi and relocated to an apartment in Durban with her two children. Sources have alleged that her relationship with the king deteriorated to the point where she was stripped of her bodyguards and royal cars. "Queen Mayisela decided to go back to her old life after she realised that she meant nothing to the King," an insider revealed.
This dramatic shift in Queen Ntokozo's life follows a series of events that have reportedly strained her marriage. Last year, it was reported that the couple's relationship hit rock bottom shortly after King MisuZulu’s coronation. Allegations of trust issues emerged, leading to Queen Ntokozo moving out of the Khangelamankengane Royal Palace in KwaNongoma.
The queen's struggles have not gone unnoticed, with observers expressing concern over her well-being. A source described a recent encounter with her in Umhlanga, noting that she and the king's child were seen without any royal protection. "This is the first time that the wife of a king can walk in public with their young child without bodyguards," the source lamented.
When approached for comment, Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi stated that royal matters should not be discussed publicly, insisting, “The household matters of His Majesty are not matters for public consumption.” Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the royal family dismissed the allegations, suggesting they were mere gossip.
In a time of shifting loyalties and family dynamics, the queen’s voice serves as a call for understanding and respect. “To those responsible for the rumours, I ask that you bear in mind that I am a public figure—I’m also a mother—a role that gives me the inherent right to protect myself,” she concluded.
