The first wife of South Africa’s Zulu King, Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has lost her legal attempt to stop his planned third marriage. Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela went to court before the wedding, which was expected later this week. However, it’s still uncertain if the wedding will take place as planned. South African media reported that the king had canceled the ceremony, citing reasons beyond the royal family’s control.
Polygamous marriages are allowed in South Africa, but they must be officially registered as traditional weddings. This legal dispute comes amid various scandals that have followed King Misuzulu since he became king just over two years ago. While he holds no political power, he remains highly influential, with a government-funded budget of millions of dollars.
Before his coronation, King Misuzulu married Mayisela in 2021 in a civil marriage. In court, Queen Ntokozo argued that their marriage was still valid and that the king could not marry another woman without first ending their marriage.
South African law states that a civil marriage must be either dissolved or converted to a traditional marriage before a man can take additional wives.
The judge rejected the queen’s request to stop the marriage, stating that she had previously agreed to allow her husband to marry more women. Although a letter from the king suggested the wedding was canceled, other reports said the bride-to-be knew nothing about it and expected the wedding to happen as planned.
There have been controversies since King Misuzulu became king, including disputes over land management and firing close aides.
His leadership has even been challenged in court, with some questioning his recognition as the rightful monarch. King Misuzulu became king unexpectedly after his father passed away during the Covid pandemic in 2021.
(Story credited to BBC)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crlkd3234r4o