King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s love life is causing a big stir in South Africa. BBC reports that while Zulu culture allows polygamy, divorce is almost unheard of, yet the king has taken the rare step of going to court to end his marriage with Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela.
This move has shocked many, as BBC explains that in Zulu tradition, even if a marriage doesn’t work, the wife usually stays in the royal home and remains supported.
BBC highlights that the king’s romantic life has been filled with drama. His second marriage seems unstable, his planned wedding to a third wife was postponed, and there are rumors of yet another woman in his life. Many believe his first marriage was rushed because, as BBC notes, he may have felt he couldn’t be crowned king without a wife.
The divorce battle has become public, something BBC describes as unusual for the royal family. Queen kaMayisela tried to stop the king’s new marriage through the courts, arguing that their civil marriage needed to be changed into a traditional one before he could marry again.
But BBC reports that the judge rejected her case, pointing out that she had already accepted the king’s right to have multiple wives.
BBC also sheds light on a deeper issue—the king’s failure to follow traditional marriage customs properly. One expert told BBC that, in Zulu culture, a proper royal wedding requires a big public ceremony, dancing, and the bride presenting a spear to the king. Since this didn’t happen in his first marriage, Queen kaMayisela now lacks the full protection of tradition.
Adding to the chaos, BBC notes that the king is also dealing with power struggles in his leadership. He has fired top officials, taken control of a massive land trust, and is facing legal challenges to his rule from his half-brother, Prince Simakade Zulu.
The High Court recently ruled that President Ramaphosa made mistakes in officially recognizing the king, adding more uncertainty to his reign.
BBC emphasizes that royal conflicts are nothing new in Zulu history. In the past, battles for the throne were fought with weapons, but today, they play out in courtrooms.
Experts told BBC that despite the scandals, the king might still come out strong—if he can overcome the challenges ahead.
For now, BBC suggests that the biggest question is whether King Misuzulu can hold onto both his throne and his troubled love life.
Credit: BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2e63930qxo