Tlof tlof-loving Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to wed a new wife this month while divorcing his first wife

AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is set to marry his third wife, Queen Nomzamo kaMayeni, in a traditional Zulu wedding ceremony later this month, a move that comes amidst the finalisation of his divorce from his first wife, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela.

This unprecedented event marks the first divorce within the Zulu monarchy in over 200 years, casting a dramatic spotlight on the complexities of the royal household.

The king’s spokesperson, Prince Simphiwe Zulu, made the announcement on Tuesday, stating: “This is the most exciting announcement I am about to make. His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has instructed me to announce that he is getting married to Queen Nomzamo KaMyeni. As you all know, they have chosen the Nazareth Baptist Church religion, so the wedding will be held under the religious theme of the Shembe church.”

The wedding is scheduled for 26 January at the Shembe church, preceded by an umkhehlo ceremony on 24 January, where the families will exchange gifts. This will be King Misuzulu’s first traditional Zulu wedding.

Meanwhile, the king’s divorce from Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela is nearing completion. The king filed his responding divorce papers at the Pietermaritzburg High Court, citing an “irretrievable breakdown” of their union. Court documents detail a significant rift, with the couple separated for at least a year and minimal communication beyond matters concerning their children.

The documents state: “The marriage relationship between the plaintiff and defendant has reached a state of disintegration such that there are no reasonable prospects for the restoration of a normal marriage relationship between the parties.” They further reveal: “Aside from the communication regarding the parties’ children, there is no meaningful communication between the parties.”

Sources close to Queen Ntokozo paint a picture of a marriage deeply strained by the king’s alleged extramarital affairs and the subsequent media attention. One insider confided in the Sunday World: “This thing with the king has had a devastating mental toll on her. Although she was no longer happy in her marriage, the divorce was never on her mind.”

The source elaborated on the impact of the king's behaviour, often publicised on social media, on the queen and their children: “The king’s troubles and his behaviour particularly, which was exposed on numerous occasions on social media, had strained their relationship. She felt the king exposed her and their children to undue media attention because of his extramarital affairs.”

The source also claims the queen reportedly expressed regret at marrying into the royal family, adding that the final blow came with the king's decision to marry Queen Nomzamo without her knowledge or consent: “I learned about my husband’s marriage through social media alongside the rest of South Africa,” she reportedly stated.

The king's recent marriage to Queen Nomzamo, in May, has reportedly exacerbated the existing tension within the royal family. Sources claim that the honeymoon period of this third marriage has significantly strained the king's relationship with Queen Ntokozo. One source describes Queen Ntokozo as feeling increasingly isolated and sidelined, evidenced by her absence from several high-profile royal events, including the Annual Reed Dance, the king’s 50th birthday celebration, and the Umkhosi Welembe/Shaka Zulu day.

The source attributes her absence to feelings of embarrassment and being overshadowed by her new sister-wife, alleging that King Misuzulu frequently prioritises his newest wife, even during official engagements. Queen Ntokozo has reportedly moved out of the royal palace in Ulundi, relocating to an apartment in Durban with her two children.

Adding further complexity, reports from February last year in the Sunday World newspaper indicated that the king’s marriage was already facing difficulties, following allegations by women and children’s rights activist Sihle Sibisi regarding a romantic involvement with the king. The Sunday World article also alleged that Queen Ntokozo was involved in an extra-marital affair. These allegations were amplified by a viral WhatsApp voice note from one of Misuzulu’s praise singers, Inyosi Mgoqozi, who stated in isiZulu: “icala lokuthi walala nondlunkulu uMthokozisi Ntombela. Ingonyama imxoshile phela undlunkulu. Ihambe yaya Ophongolo ayaziwa ukuthi ikuphi. Konakele imbuso iyavukelana.” (There is a case that Mthokozisi Ntombela is sleeping with the queen and the king has expelled the queen from the royal house.)

In November last year, the king addressed rumours surrounding an unidentified woman, Ngcobo, who attempted to enter a VIP area where he was seated with President Cyril Ramaphosa. During a Shembe Church service, King Misuzulu denied any romantic involvement, stating: “There are those who say she's my girlfriend. Do they know me? It hurts to be given something thagt's not yours.”

He clarified: “I want to make this clear. She's not my girlfriend. Because I can’t lie as the King. I'll tell you the truth. I know the girl, but she's not my girlfriend.”

He explained that she is facing personal struggles and he feels a responsibility to help her. He suggested that those opposing him within the royal house may be behind the speculation, claiming: “I can’t tolerate it and those who are behind it are those from the royal house who are opposing me in the throne. This is their girlfriend.”