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Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela, the first wife of South Africa’s Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has failed in her legal attempt to prevent the monarch from marrying a third wife, Nomzamo Myeni.
The high court ruled against her application on Monday, with Judge Bongani Mngadi noting that Queen Mayisela had previously consented to the king marrying additional wives. However, the situation remains unclear, as conflicting reports have emerged about whether the wedding will proceed as planned.
South African media initially reported that King Misuzulu had canceled the ceremony due to “reasons beyond the control of the royal house.” However, Myeni denied knowledge of the cancellation, and some reports suggest the king remains adamant about the marriage.
Legal Complexities of the Royal Marriage
Queen Mayisela argued that their 2021 civil marriage prohibits the king from marrying other women unless the union is dissolved or converted to a customary marriage. This legal issue was seemingly overlooked when the king married his second wife, Queen Nozizwe Mulela-Zulu, in 2022.
According to the Sunday World, Mayisela claimed that the couple had agreed to convert their civil marriage to a customary union but that King Misuzulu later changed his mind. Despite this, the court ruled her consent to polygamy invalidates her attempt to halt the wedding.
A Reign Marked by Scandal
Since his coronation in October 2022, King Misuzulu’s tenure has been marred by controversy. He has faced criticism for suspending the board of the Ingonyama Trust, a body managing vast communal lands in KwaZulu-Natal, despite lacking the authority to do so. Additionally, he has dismissed key aides, including his traditional prime minister, raising concerns among royal observers.
His position as king is also under legal challenge, with some questioning his recognition as monarch by the South African government. Misuzulu ascended to the throne after the unexpected death of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini, in March 2021.
The Role of the Zulu Monarch
Although the Zulu king holds no formal political power, the role is deeply symbolic and influential, commanding a government-funded budget of millions of dollars annually. King Misuzulu’s reign has drawn scrutiny, with detractors questioning his leadership style and decisions.
As the wedding controversy unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions within the Zulu royal family and the legal and cultural challenges surrounding polygamous royal marriages in South Africa.
