The recent announcement of a divorce by South Africa’s Zulu king, Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has stirred significant controversy among his subjects and left many questioning the implications for traditional customs. This unexpected move has generated shockwaves in a society deeply rooted in polygamous practices, as the king seeks to dissolve his marriage to Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela.
A break from tradition
Historically, Zulu culture has viewed divorce as taboo, with cultural experts noting that “in Zulu culture, there is no divorce. You are not supposed to chase away your wife,” as stated by Prof Gugu Mazibuko, a cultural specialist from the University of Johannesburg. The king, often referred to as the “lion of the nation,” is seen as the guardian of age-old customs that place marriage and polygamy at the forefront of royal prestige.
Despite his ceremonial role in South Africa, Misuzulu wields considerable influence, backed by a substantial government budget each year. His ascent to the throne in 2021 followed a turbulent period marked by the sudden deaths of both his parents, and since then, his personal life has been frequently scrutinized. In addition to the divorce proceedings initiated in December, the king has faced challenges from his elder half-brother regarding his claim to the crown, which adds complexity to his already tumultuous reign.
Marriage dilemmas and public scrutiny
Misuzulu’s relationship with Queen kaMayisela has recently come under fire, with court documents revealing that the couple has not cohabited as husband and wife for an extended period, leading the king to declare their marriage has irretrievably broken down. Their union, hastily formed shortly before Misuzulu became king, now faces legal challenges as the queen strives to halt the king’s impending marriage to Nomzamo Myeni, which was scheduled for late January.
“Everyone was puzzled. People were not expecting the king to go so far as to file for divorce,”
Prof Mazibuko elaborated on the complexities surrounding royal marriages, explaining that although polygamy is now accepted in Zulu culture, it was not always so. The first two Zulu kings were bachelors, and the practice only became entrenched in later generations. This evolution highlights the tension between traditional customs and contemporary practices that Misuzulu is navigating.
As the king grapples with his marital issues, speculation arises about the future of his relationships, particularly his second marriage to Nozizwe kaMulela and the potential union with Myeni. Each marriage’s legitimacy is in question due to discrepancies in adherence to traditional customs, which stipulate that public ceremonies and cultural rituals are essential for a marriage to be fully recognized.
As the king’s personal life unfolds amidst public scrutiny and legal challenges, his actions not only affect his family but also reverberate throughout the Zulu nation, raising critical discussions on the preservation of cultural values in a changing society. With the looming court disputes and the ongoing rivalry for the crown, King Misuzulu’s reign is positioned precariously, inviting ongoing debate about his capabilities as a leader and the future of the Zulu monarchy.