King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, the reigning monarch of the Zulu nation, has initiated divorce proceedings against his first wife, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela, marking a rare and controversial moment in Zulu royal history. The divorce, first reported in December 2024, has sparked debate over the intersection of Zulu traditions, modern legal frameworks, and the role of the monarchy in contemporary South Africa.
A Royal Union and Its Challenges
King Misuzulu and Queen Ntokozo’s marriage dates back to May 6, 2021, when they wed in a traditional Zulu ceremony. Their relationship began years earlier, having first met in 2009 at the royal wedding of King Misuzulu’s sister, Princess Bukhosibemvelo, to businessman Sipho Nyawo. Shortly after his accession to the throne, the king formalized his marriage to Ntokozo and paid lobola (bride price) in accordance with Zulu customary law, reportedly offering eight cows and R50,000.
The couple has two children together, but reports indicate that their relationship began to deteriorate soon after their wedding. By late 2023, they were said to be living apart, and in December 2024, the king formally filed for divorce, citing an “irretrievable breakdown” of their marriage, as reported by Sunday World.
Cultural and Legal Implications
Divorce within the Zulu royal family is historically rare, and traditionally, a king does not formally dissolve a marriage—even if relations with a wife break down. Instead, in Zulu culture, the wife remains within the royal household, ensuring continued respect, protection, and unity within the royal homestead. This is a stark contrast to the Western legal system, where marriages can be legally terminated, allowing both parties to remarry freely.
The situation has complicated legal dimensions as well. Queen Ntokozo challenged the divorce proceedings in court, seeking to prevent the king from marrying a third wife, Nomzamo Myeni, until the divorce was finalized. Under South African civil law, polygamous civil marriages are not recognized, meaning the king’s new marriage would not be legally valid unless he formally ended his first marriage. However, her application was ultimately dismissed by the court, as reported by The Times (UK).
King Misuzulu’s Expanding Royal Household
While the king is divorcing Queen Ntokozo, he remains married to his second wife, Queen Nozizwe Mulela, and is reportedly planning to take Nomzamo Myeni as his third wife. These marriages, carried out under customary law, align with Zulu traditions, where polygamy has long been an accepted practice among royal figures.
The late King Goodwill Zwelithini, Misuzulu’s father, had six wives and 28 children, with his Great Wife, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini, enjoying the highest status due to her Swazi royal lineage. It was through Queen Mantfombi, his mother, that King Misuzulu ultimately secured his claim to the throne, despite internal royal disputes over succession.
Royal and Political Ramifications
The public nature of this divorce is seen as a break from Zulu royal precedent. According to The Namibian, cultural experts have warned that such an act could weaken the king’s standing both within the Zulu nation and in broader South African society. While the Zulu monarchy no longer holds formal political power, it retains significant influence, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where it serves as a cultural and symbolic institution.
Professor Gugu Mazibuko, an expert in Zulu traditions, noted in an interview with The Namibian that in traditional Zulu customs, “there is no divorce” in the way it is understood in modern legal systems. Instead, estranged royal wives traditionally remain within the king’s homestead, even if they no longer play an active role in royal affairs.
However, South Africa’s legal framework—which protects women’s rights in marriage and divorce—allows Queen Ntokozo to pursue legal avenues that were historically unavailable to Zulu royal wives.
A Royal Family in Turmoil
This divorce adds another layer of instability to the Zulu royal family, which has been embroiled in disputes since King Goodwill Zwelithini’s death in March 2021.
Upon Zwelithini’s passing, the Zulu Royal Family faced intense internal struggles over who should succeed to the throne. While King Misuzulu was ultimately declared the rightful heir—a claim backed by President Cyril Ramaphosa—several factions within the royal family opposed his leadership, leading to legal battles.
His coronation, initially planned for 2021, was delayed due to these disputes but was ultimately held on October 29, 2022, at Moses Mabhida Stadium, attended by thousands, including South African political leaders and international dignitaries.
What Happens Next?
- Legal Finalization: The king’s divorce proceedings are expected to conclude in 2025, officially ending his marriage to Queen Ntokozo.
- Marriage to Third Wife: King Misuzulu’s plans to marry Nomzamo Myeni may proceed following the resolution of the divorce case.
- Public and Cultural Reactions: The Zulu nation will likely continue debating the implications of a public royal divorce, as it tests the boundaries between traditional norms and modern legal rights.
This case highlights the evolving nature of Zulu royalty, where traditional customs and South African law sometimes clash, forcing the monarchy to navigate a changing societal landscape.
Sources:
- Sunday World: “Misuzulu’s Divorce Will Weaken Him as King”
- The Times (UK): “Zulu King’s First Wife Seeks to Block His Third Marriage”
- The Namibian: “How Royal Divorce Papers Have Shaken the Zulu Kingdom”
- Bona Magazine: “King Misuzulu Reportedly Faces Divorce”
Disclaimer:
This article provides a factual account and analysis of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s divorce proceedings, based on publicly available reports from Sunday World, The Times (UK), The Namibian, and Bona Magazine. The legal and cultural aspects of the case are evolving, and further developments may emerge. Readers are encouraged to follow official updates and court proceedings for the latest information.
