Pietermaritzburg – The Zulu royal household, usually a symbol of tradition and stability, is facing a significant upheaval. King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has filed for divorce from one of his wives, a move unprecedented in recent Zulu royal history, and one that has ignited a firestorm of speculation and public scrutiny.
The divorce papers, filed in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg, reveal a marriage described by the King as “disintegrated,” with no prospect of reconciliation.
The court documents state that the couple have no significant joint assets and have already divided their personal belongings. The King, in his statement within the legal filings, explains: “Aside from communication regarding issues concerning the parties’ children, there is no meaningful communication between the parties. The parties have, on several occasions, experienced trouble with their marriage and tried to restore the relationship without success. The parties have not lived together as husband and wife for a continuous period of at least one year immediately prior to the date of the institution of the action.”
The Queen, whose name we are withholding to protect the children, has filed a notice of intention to defend the action.
The divorce proceedings outline spousal maintenance for the Queen, with the King solely responsible for the children’s upkeep. The King offers “rehabilitative maintenance in the amount of R20 000 for a period of 12 months from the date on which the decree of divorce is granted.” He also seeks an order for the Queen to cover legal costs should she contest the divorce.
This unprecedented legal action has sparked considerable debate, particularly concerning its implications within the context of Zulu tradition. Dr Gugu Mazibuko, a cluster leader of African languages and linguistics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and an expert on Zulu culture, commented:
“Traditionally, in a polygamous household, if a wife has done something wrong, she is not sent home or divorced; she would be built a home elsewhere but still be part of the family, and she would be required to perform a ceremony in apology of her wrong actions. With modernisation, even monarchies operate under the Constitution; everyone has the right to exercise their rights; we are living in a time where traditions are now challenged by modernisation.”
Dr Mazibuko highlights the evolving nature of tradition in the face of modern societal changes.
The timing of the divorce is particularly significant, coinciding with unconfirmed reports of an upcoming marriage ceremony for the King. It is rumoured that King Misuzulu will marry Queen Nomzamo Myeni on 26 January, a union for which lobola has reportedly already been paid. This adds another layer of complexity to the already delicate situation, fueling speculation about the reasons behind the divorce and the King’s actions.
The current situation has its roots in events that unfolded over the past year. Reports emerged in September 2024 detailing alleged marital strain between King Misuzulu and his first wife, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela-Zulu, stemming from his marriage to Queen Nomzamo KaMyeni-Zulu in May of that year.
Further complicating the matter, reports from February 2024 in the Sunday World newspaper alleged pre-existing difficulties within the King’s marriage. 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.
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.
She clarified that her absence was a private matter known to the King and addressed reports of a third child and her stance on polygamy, stating: “I have two very handsome boys. I have not given birth to any other child besides my boys. I have no objection to polygamy (isithembu).”
However, she expressed her dismay at learning about her husband’s marriage to another woman through social media, stating, “I learned about my husband’s marriage through social media alongside the rest of South Africa.” She also expressed distress over the social media attacks she had faced, describing them as defamation of her character.
The King’s actions and the resulting public fallout have raised significant questions about the future of the Zulu monarchy and its relationship with tradition and modernity.
