King Mswati to pay R2m and 100 cattle lobolo for Zuma’s daughter
Nomcebo Zuma, the 21-year-old daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, recently made headlines after being unveiled as King Mswati III’s liphivela, an occasion marked by her first public appearance in eSwatini alongside one of the king’s many wives. This significant event underscores not only her connection to the controversial political legacy of her father but also the intricate cultural practices of the Swazi monarchy.
Reports suggest that King Mswati is expected to pay a staggering R2-million and provide 100 head of cattle as part of the negotiations for her hand, reflecting the traditional lobola (bride price) customs still prevalent in the region, according to Sunday World.
According to family sources who wish to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of family matters, Nomcebo’s mother, Nonkanyiso Holombilo Mhlongo, is reportedly eyeing a financial package that is expected to fall within six figures, emphasizing the significant familial and economic stakes involved in these negotiations.
According to Sunday World, Nomcebo Zuma, 21, daughter of Former President Jacob Zuma, was this week unveiled as King Mswati III’s official girlfriend in eSwatini.
King Mswati is expected to pay a lobolo of R2 million and 100 cattle for Nomcebo. pic.twitter.com/B0HbBMxlQg
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) July 21, 2024
Nomcebo’s integration into the royal household as a new wife of the king, who has already established a polygamous family with 15 wives, raises questions about her future role and the dynamics within the royal circle, especially following reports of tension during the negotiation process between Jacob Zuma and King Mswati.
Zuma’s feelings of betrayal were palpable as he walked out of discussions, indicating the complexity of relationships at play; a family insider noted the emotional weight this has carried for the former president who expressed frustration while using the phrase “Yo soy tu hermano” to convey a message of reluctant acceptance and familial bonds amidst the turmoil.
Nomcebo’s public debut at a resort opening alongside the king’s wife, Siphelele Maseko, further accentuates her emerging position within the royal family and raises speculation regarding her future influence and the implications of her dual heritage as she navigates this new chapter in her life.
Sunday World also reported that the king’s roving eye has also caused a stir among relatives, who had claimed that there couldn’t be any further additions to the family as his first wife was getting old and had taken a new wife after years.
