Zulu King Misuzulu pays lobola for wife number 4, cancels wedding with wife number three and files divorce papers for wife number 1 (WATCH VIDEO)

KwaZulu-Natal – King Misuzulu kaZwelithini's personal life has become a subject of intense public scrutiny, with recent developments including lobola negotiations for a fourth wife, the abrupt cancellation of a wedding with his third wife, and divorce proceedings against his first wife. The Zulu monarch's actions have sparked debate and raised eyebrows, challenging traditional norms and captivating the nation.

On Sunday, 23 March, King Misuzulu sent a delegation to Mpumalanga to pay lobola for Princess Sihle Mdluli. The delegation, led by the king's praise singer Buzetsheni Mdletshe and Zulu monarch deputy traditional prime minister, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza Nkomazi, travelled to the Mawewe Traditional Council to commence the customary proceedings.

While the exact number of cows paid for Princess Sihle remains undisclosed, sources report that the delegation mentioned the colours of the cows at the gates of the Mdluli homestead. Princess Sihle has already been introduced to the Zulu royal family, joining Queen Ntokozo Mayisela (first wife), Queen Nozizwe Mulela (second wife), and Queen Nomzamo Myeni (third wife).

Prince Nathi Zulu, King Misuzulu's spokesman, confirmed the lobola payment to Daily Sun, stating, "Yes, I can confirm that, but at this stage, it's still an internal royal house matter, and maybe going forward, we will release a statement alerting the public about it."

The lobola negotiations with the Mdluli family follow a series of surprising events in the king's love life. Just weeks ago, the nation was taken aback by King Misuzulu's decision to file divorce papers against his first wife, Queen Ntokozo Mayisela, in the Pietermaritzburg High Court. The king stated in court papers that they have not lived as husband and wife for at least a year and their marriage has irretrievably broken down.

However, recent sightings of the king and Queen Mayisela together in public suggest a possible reconciliation. The couple's renewed appearances have fuelled speculation that they may have mended their misunderstandings.

Adding to the intrigue, King Misuzulu had previously announced his intention to marry Queen Nomzamo Myeni on Sunday, 26 January 2025. However, the wedding was abruptly cancelled at the last minute, citing the king's seclusion period during the first fruit ceremony as the reason.

Furthermore, King Misuzulu revoked all governmental benefits for Queen Nomzamo Myeni, including the use of vehicles and bodyguards. Despite these actions, the king and Queen Myeni have also been seen together in public recently, leaving the status of their relationship uncertain.

The Zulu royal family's representatives, including Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, engaged in traditional customs during the lobola negotiations with the Mdluli family. In a video circulating on social media, Chiliza is seen engaging in "ekhuleka" (growling) at the gate of the Ndwandwe family before the delegation was permitted to enter the house.

"We are growling with a cow called inyoni kayiphumuli after being sent by the king to appease the Ndwandwes, we are saying there must be only good things in the house," Chiliza was quoted as saying in the video.

WATCH | The Zulu royal family has started lobola negotiations with the Mawewe royal house in Mpumalanga on behalf of King Misuzulu KaZwelithini to marry their granddaughter, Princess Sihle Mdluli.

Video: Mandla Khoza pic.twitter.com/0K9YIvtogH

— Sowetan LIVE (@SowetanLIVE) March 24, 2025

Mdluli, who is said to be in her 20s, comes from the Ndwandwe chiefdom, and her mother, Khulile Mkhatshwa, is inkhosi. Mdluli was first seen at Mashobeni royal palace during the last period of the first fruit ceremony last month. She was also seen during an imbizo convened by the king last month, also at Mashobeni. Mdluli is believed to have been sent by her family to marry the king.

The Zulu royal family has opened lobola negotiations with the Mawewe royal house in Mpumalanga on behalf of King Misuzulu KaZwelithini to marry their granddaughter, Princess Sihle Mdluli. One of the delegates of the Zulu royal house told Sowetan that Princess Sihle has since been kept in one of the kingdom's royal houses and has been formally introduced to the inner family.

The king's right-hand man, Prince Gumbela Zulu, said what was seen in a video is an internal family matter. “The king had instructed us not to talk about the matter until a formal announcement is made,” said Zulu.

The recent developments in King Misuzulu's love life have sparked debate and raised questions about the future of the Zulu monarchy. As the "lion of the nation" and custodian of age-old traditions, the king's personal choices have significant cultural implications.

Professor Gugu Mazibuko, a cultural expert at South Africa's University of Johannesburg, told the BBC, "Everyone was puzzled. People were not expecting the king to go so far as to file for divorce. In Zulu culture, there is no divorce. You are not supposed to chase away your wife."

Professor Musa Xulu of the University of Zululand said, "It seems as though he felt he could not be a king without a wife."

As the Zulu nation grapples with these unprecedented events, the focus remains on King Misuzulu and the decisions that will shape his reign and the future of the Zulu monarchy.