King Misuzulu, the monarch of the Zulu Kingdom, is set to marry Queen Nomzamo “Masesi” Myeni on 26 January 2025 in a traditional Shembe Church wedding ceremony at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal. This announcement comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the king’s divorce from one of his three wives, which has captured the public’s attention.
The 50-year-old king will officially wed Queen Nomzamo, aged 42, after having paid lobola (bride price) for her in May 2024. Their wedding will take place in the presence of the Zulu people, who have been invited to attend the ceremony. The couple is also members of the Shembe Church, which is significant to their wedding plans. The royal wedding is expected to be a grand affair and will be celebrated according to Zulu traditions.
**A New Beginning Amidst Legal Battles**
The announcement of the wedding comes at a time when King Misuzulu is embroiled in a legal battle with one of his current wives. Documents seen by Daily Sun reveal that the king is offering his wife a R20,000 monthly maintenance allowance for one year as part of the ongoing divorce proceedings in the Pietermaritzburg High Court. The legal tussle has raised questions about the king’s marital situation, especially since he is preparing to marry Queen Nomzamo while dealing with the complexities of his divorce.
Prince Simphiwe Zulu, the spokesperson for the king, confirmed the upcoming wedding, noting that the king had already paid lobola and was planning the umkhehlo, a traditional engagement ceremony, at Queen Nomzamo’s home on 24 January. The following Sunday, 26 January, will mark their formal union in a wedding that will bring together the royal family and the Shembe Church community.
**Royal Calendar of Events**
The wedding is just one of many events on the king’s busy royal calendar. As part of Zulu cultural practices, King Misuzulu is currently in isolation preparing for Umkhosi Wokweshwama, the First Fruits Festival, which will be celebrated at Emashobeni Royal Palace. The event will kick off on 11 January, when the young amabutho (Zulu warriors) will arrive at the palace to prepare for the festival. On 14 January, a bull will be slaughtered, marking the final stages of the festival, which will conclude on 16 January.
Additionally, the king will host the Battle of Isandlwana commemoration on 22 January at the historic Isandlwana battlefield in Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal. This event is significant as it honors the bravery of Zulu warriors during the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879, a key moment in Zulu history.
**A Complex Royal Life**
King Misuzulu’s life is marked by both celebration and controversy. While the Zulu Kingdom embraces his leadership and the cultural importance of his weddings, his personal life remains the subject of public scrutiny, especially with the ongoing divorce proceedings. As he prepares to marry Queen Nomzamo, the king faces the challenge of navigating his legal and marital complexities while fulfilling his royal duties.
Despite the challenges, King Misuzulu remains a key figure in South African and Zulu culture, with his decisions continuing to impact both his kingdom and the nation.