Nomcebo Zuma, the 21-year-old daughter of South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma, is set to marry King Mswati III of Eswatini
in a union driven by love, according to Eswatini’s government spokesperson.
The engagement was officially announced during the conclusion of the traditional reed dance ceremony, a yearly celebration marking the transition to womanhood for young girls.
King Mswati III, aged 56, currently has 11 wives and has been married 15 times.
Despite his polygamous lifestyle, Eswatini’s spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo, emphasized that the upcoming marriage was not a political alliance, stating, “Love knows no boundaries. It can happen between two people, no matter the age.”
The reed dance, known as the Umhlanga ceremony, serves as a cultural event to honour virginity and discourage early sexual activity.
During this sacred ceremony, the king is allowed to choose a bride, and this year, Nomcebo Zuma was named the “liphovela,” meaning royal fiancée.
Critics have often called attention to King Mswati’s lavish lifestyle, contrasting it with the economic hardships faced by many of Eswatini’s citizens.
The small country, which was previously known as Swaziland, has a population of 1.1 million people and grapples with one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS infection in the world.
Moreover, the king’s harsh treatment of political opponents has been a point of contention for many observers.
While some view the marriage as a union between two prominent families, others believe it will likely add to the cultural ties between Eswatini and South Africa’s Zulu monarchy.
The Zulu king, Misuzulu ka Zwelithini, is King Mswati’s nephew, further strengthening the bonds between these royal families.
Jacob Zuma, who served as South Africa’s president from 2009 to 2018, is experiencing a political resurgence despite past controversies.
He is known for upholding strong Zulu cultural traditions and has several wives and numerous children.
Nomcebo, whose mother is Nonkululeko Mhlongo, wore the vibrant colours of Eswatini’s royal attire on the final day of the reed dance, marking her new status as the king’s future wife.
This union, driven by love rather than political motives, continues to captivate people across the region.
