How royal divorce papers have shaken the Zulu kingdom

The Zulu kingdom in South Africa is currently facing a significant upheaval due to the personal life of its king, Misuzulu KaZwelithini. The king has made headlines by seeking a divorce from his first wife, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela, which has shocked many of his subjects. In Zulu culture, divorce is not a common practice, and polygamy is traditionally accepted. However, the king's decision to take legal action to end his marriage has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the implications of such a move. Professor Gugu Mazibuko, a cultural expert from the University of Johannesburg, expressed her surprise, stating, 'Everyone was puzzled. People were not expecting the king to go so far as to file for divorce. ' This situation is particularly sensitive because, in Zulu tradition, it is believed that a wife should not be sent away, and the king's actions are seen as a departure from established customs. The Zulu king holds a ceremonial role in South Africa, yet he wields considerable influence, supported by a substantial government-funded budget. Since ascending to the throne in 2021, King Misuzulu has faced numerous challenges, including a court case initiated by his half-brother, who is vying for the crown. His personal life has also been marred by controversies, including difficulties in his second marriage and rumors of a potential third wife. The king's decision to file for divorce has thrust his personal affairs into the public eye, a topic that was previously discussed in private circles. Professor Mazibuko noted that while historical records suggest a Zulu monarch divorced a queen in the 20th century, it was kept a secret due to the stigma surrounding divorce in their culture. In traditional Zulu society, if a marriage fails, the wife typically remains in the king's household and is provided for, even if they no longer live as a couple. The king has postponed his wedding to his third bride, Nomzamo Myeni, but they were recently seen together at a public event, raising questions about their relationship. The king married Queen Ntokozo before he became king, and they already had two children together. Some experts believe that the marriage was rushed, as the king may have felt he needed a wife to fulfill his royal duties. Queen kaMayisela came from a humble background and caught the king's attention while performing as a singer. Her significance was highlighted during the king's coronation, where she sat beside him, but her position is now precarious. The king has stated in court documents that they have not lived as husband and wife for over a year, claiming their marriage has irretrievably broken down. Following this, the palace sent out invitations for the king's upcoming wedding to Nomzamo Myeni, which is scheduled for late January. The bride-price, known as lobola, has already been paid in cattle, a valuable asset in Zulu culture. Queen kaMayisela has responded by initiating her own court action to prevent the wedding, arguing that the king would be committing bigamy without converting their civil marriage into a traditional Zulu marriage. However, the judge dismissed her case, stating that she had previously agreed to the king taking additional wives. The king has already married another woman, Nozizwe kaMulela, who is considered a politically advantageous match. Polygamy was not originally part of Zulu culture, as the first two kings were single, but it has become a tradition over time. Queen kaMulela hails from a prominent family in Eswatini, and their marriage was arranged to strengthen political ties. However, it remains uncertain whether they are still together, as she has not been seen at Zulu cultural events recently. The king's marriage issues appear to stem from not adhering to traditional practices. His first marriage was a modern union without a traditional ceremony, which is crucial in Zulu culture. For a marriage to be recognized, there must be a public celebration involving singing and dancing. Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela did not have this customary wedding, leaving her vulnerable in the divorce proceedings. Currently, she is offered monthly support, but she may seek more before returning to a life outside the royal family. The second marriage also faced complications, as the king felt the individuals who paid the bride-price lacked the authority to do so, and there was no public ceremony to mark the union. The situation with the third bride, Nomzamo Myeni, is unclear, as the king did not marry her as planned. In Zulu culture, a postponed marriage typically does not occur. Although she is still seen with the king, it is uncertain if their wedding will take place. As a commoner, she does not bring any powerful connections, which may explain the rumors of a new queen-to-be, Sihle Mdluli, who comes from a royal lineage. This new queen could potentially be given the title 'mother of the nation,' making her the most senior queen with children likely to be heirs. However, experts believe that the king's relationships often face challenges, and it is uncertain if this new marriage will materialize. The king has also been making changes in his public life, including dismissing several officials and taking control of a land trust, which has generated further controversy. This trust manages a significant amount of land in KwaZulu-Natal and was established before South Africa transitioned to democracy. The king's actions have created tensions with the government, which is attempting to avoid direct conflict with him. Additionally, the king's half-brother, Prince Simakade Zulu, has been trying to claim the crown, and there is a possibility that he may challenge the king's position in court. The competition for the Zulu crown has always been intense, but now it is taking place in legal battles rather than on the battlefield. The current king is not the first to face such challenges, and many hope he can navigate these issues and restore stability to the kingdom.