Zulu King Misuzulu's Plans for Third Marriage Face Legal Challenges

Tensions rise as the legal battle over Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s impending marriage to Nomzamo Myeni intensifies, highlighting a tumultuous royal atmosphere.

In a significant legal ruling, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela, the first wife of South Africa's Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has been unsuccessful in her effort to prevent her husband from marrying a third wife. The court decision comes just ahead of a rumored wedding ceremony slated for later this week.

Despite the ruling, uncertainty looms over the wedding’s status, especially after South African media reported the king's announcement that the ceremony would be called off "due to reasons beyond the control of the royal house." South African laws do permit polygamous marriages, provided they adhere to traditional registration requirements.

This incident occurs in the backdrop of escalating turmoil surrounding King Misuzulu's reign, which began just over two years ago. Although the Zulu crown lacks formal political power, the king still wields considerable influence and is backed by a considerable government-funded budget.

The legal dispute has brought to light a previous civil marriage contract between the king and Queen Ntokozo, which they agreed to convert to a customary union. However, complications arose when the king applied for divorce, claiming a breakdown in their relationship.

Judge Bongani Mngadi dismissed the queen's legal request to halt the marriage to Nomzamo Myeni, based on the premise that she had previously consented to the king's right to marry additional wives. However, contrasting reports have surfaced. TimesLIVE disclosed that the bride-to-be was unaware of the cancellation letter and expected her wedding to go ahead as initially planned.

This situation has been further complicated by the king's insistence that he loves Myeni and would pursue the marriage despite the ongoing legal drama. Since his coronation in 2022, King Misuzulu's decisions have sparked concern, including the controversial suspension of the Ingonyama Trust board, responsible for managing extensive communal lands in KwaZulu-Natal.

The recent dismissal of two key advisors has raised eyebrows, compounding scrutiny over the king's leadership and decisions. Additionally, a legal challenge is underway regarding the official recognition of King Misuzulu's monarchy, a position he ascended to unexpectedly following the death of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini, during the pandemic.

As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how the royal family will navigate this web of legal and personal challenges, bringing further attention to the Zulu monarchy's role in South African society.