The Zulu royal household, usually a picture of regal composure, is currently shrouded in whispers of discontent, Celeb Gossip News has reported.
Allegations of marital strain between King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and his first wife, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela-Zulu, have surfaced, casting a shadow over the family’s public image. The source of the tension, according to sources close to the royal family, stems from the King’s recent marriage to Queen Nomzamo KaMyeni-Zulu in May.
The honeymoon period of this third marriage, it is claimed, has significantly impacted the King’s relationship with Queen Ntokozo.
A source describes a Queen feeling increasingly isolated and sidelined within the royal family. This alleged neglect has manifested in Queen Ntokozo’s noticeable absence from several high-profile royal events.
She notably missed the Annual Reed Dance at Enyokeni Palace in Nongoma a fortnight ago, the King’s 50th birthday celebration on Monday, and the Umkhosi Welembe/Shaka Zulu day held at Stanger High School in KwaDukuza yesterday.
The source attributes Queen Ntokozo’s absence to feelings of embarrassment at facing public scrutiny while allegedly feeling overshadowed by her new sister-wife. The source further alleges that King Misuzulu frequently prioritises his newest wife, even during official engagements and meetings.
The situation has escalated to the point where Queen Ntokozo has reportedly moved out of the royal palace in Ulundi, relocating to an apartment in Durban with her two children. The couple officially married on 6 May 2021, the day before the funeral of the King’s mother, Queen Mantfombi Zulu.
Adding further complexity to the situation, reports from February last year in the Sunday World newspaper indicated that the King’s marriage was already facing difficulties.
These reports followed allegations by women and children’s rights activist Sihle Sibisi regarding a romantic involvement with the King, and claims that his detractors were using Sibisi’s name to damage his reputation. The Sunday World article further alleged that Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela 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. In the voice note, Inyosi Mgoqozi, speaking in isiZulu, stated: “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.)
When contacted for comment, Inyosi Mgoqozi responded: “I can’t confirm or deny. Please call me later because I also have questions for you,” before ending the call.
Following these allegations, it was reported that Misuzulu travelled to eSwatini to seek counsel from his uncle, King Mswati III, reportedly struggling to cope with the situation.
The Prime Minister, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, declined to comment on the matter, stating: “The household matters of His Majesty are not matters for public consumption.”
This official silence, however, only serves to intensify speculation and leaves the public to draw their own conclusions. The alleged rift within the royal family raises serious questions about the dynamics of power and tradition within the Zulu monarchy.
Queen Ntokozo’s absence from significant royal events, combined with her reported relocation, paints a stark picture of a strained relationship within the royal household. The rumours persist, adding another layer of complexity to the already intricate tapestry of Zulu royal life.
The contrast between the carefully constructed public image of a united royal family and these emerging private struggles highlights the challenges even prominent figures face in balancing public duty with personal life.
The lack of official comment only amplifies the speculation and raises significant questions about the true state of affairs within the Zulu royal family. The potential impact on the stability and image of the Zulu monarchy remains a matter of considerable concern.
