The rumour mill in South Africa and eSwatini is churning with whispers of a potential royal wedding. Nomcebo Zuma, the 21-year-old daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, is reportedly being courted by King Mswati III, the monarch of eSwatini. The news has sent shockwaves through both nations, igniting a flurry of speculation and raising eyebrows about the potential implications of this union.
The whispers of this royal romance first surfaced on the eSwatini online publication, Swaziland News. The publication reported that a delegation of senior members from both the eSwatini and Zulu Royal families had visited Zuma's homestead in Nkandla last week, presenting 10 cattle as part of the traditional "kucela" practice, a formal request for a woman's hand in marriage.
The Kingdom of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, has a unique tradition, where the king is allowed to marry several wives. King Mswati the Third, who rules the southern African nation, is currently married to 15 women, and has about 36 children. Zuma's 21-year-old daughter will soon become the king's 16th wife.
The Mercury has reported about the delegation's visit to KwaDakwadunuse, Zuma's private residence in Nkandla. A source within the Zulu Royal family, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the delegation was sent about a week ago.
“Apparently she is a beautiful young woman,” the source said, referring to Nomcebo. “The king first saw her during the 55-55 double celebrations last year. The king’s delegation was definitely sent to speak to the Zuma family about his daughter’s hand in marriage. Her mother is Ms Mhlongo and she was never married to Zuma. I am not sure how the negotiations went and how the delegation was welcomed but MaMhlongo was also in Nkandla.”
Prince Simphiwe Zulu, a member of the Zulu Royal family and spokesperson for King Misuzulu, confirmed his presence in the eSwatini delegation, adding that the negotiations went smoothly.
“We were there on Tuesday last week,” Prince Zulu said. “I cannot speak in detail of the ceremony as that was the event of the Ngwane (eSwatini king’s delegation). We had just escorted them, because the king of eSwatini did not want to be in the kingdom of the Zulu nation without alerting the king of the Amazulu. As for the event, I believe that it went well.”
However, the news of this potential union has not been met with universal approval. Sources close to the eSwatini royal family have revealed that former president Zuma is reportedly unhappy with the developments, feeling betrayed by King Mswati.
“Zuma felt betrayed by King Mswati as he had initially informed Zuma that he wanted his daughter to marry in the royal family,” a source familiar with eSwatini royal family matters revealed. “It was only later that the former president became aware that King Mswati wanted Nomcebo for himself.”
Further reports from Swaziland News suggest that Nomcebo has been a frequent visitor to eSwatini, spending three weeks at a time in the landlocked kingdom before returning to South Africa. State security officers, part of the king’s intelligence unit, have confirmed that Nomcebo is currently staying in one of the guest houses in eSwatini, eagerly anticipating her participation in the upcoming Reed Dance ceremony, tentatively scheduled for September 2nd.
The Mercury attempted to contact Nomcebo's mother for comment but was unsuccessful. King Mswati's spokesperson did not respond to multiple messages.
When questioned about the eSwatini delegation's visit to the Zuma homestead, Zuma's son Edward denied any such meeting took place.
“We know nothing about what you are saying,” Edward said. “The former president has been in Johannesburg and I have not seen him for a while. For the past two weekends there have not been any events at the family home. We recently had a funeral at this home.”
The news of this potential royal union has sparked intense debate across South Africa and eSwatini. Some view it as a positive step, uniting two prominent families and strengthening ties between the two nations. Others, however, express concern about the potential for political and social ramifications, particularly considering King Mswati's controversial track record on human rights and democratic governance.
As the Reed Dance approaches, the eyes of the region will be fixed on eSwatini, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of Nomcebo Zuma and the potential confirmation of this controversial royal romance.
