Zulu King Misuzulu Pays Lobola for Fourth Wife, Files for Divorce and Cancels Wedding Plans
The personal life of Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has once again captured the nation’s attention, following a dramatic turn of events involving multiple wives, lobola negotiations, divorce proceedings, and a cancelled wedding. The king’s recent actions have sparked widespread discussion and raised eyebrows across the country.
On Sunday, 23 March 2025, King Misuzulu sent a royal delegation to Mpumalanga to pay lobola for Princess Sihle Mdluli, who hails from the Mawewe royal family. The delegation, led by the king’s praise singer Buzetsheni Mdletshe and the Zulu monarch’s deputy traditional prime minister, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza Nkomazi, visited the Mawewe Traditional Council to officially begin customary marriage negotiations.
While the number of cattle paid remains undisclosed, reports indicate that the royal team mentioned the cows’ colors at the Mdluli homestead gates as part of traditional practices. Princess Sihle has already been introduced to the Zulu royal family, where she joins King Misuzulu’s other wives: Queen Ntokozo Mayisela (first wife), Queen Nozizwe Mulela (second wife), and Queen Nomzamo Myeni (third wife).
Prince Nathi Zulu, the king’s spokesperson, confirmed the lobola payment but emphasized that it remains an internal matter within the royal house. “At this stage, it’s a private family issue. A formal statement may be released in the future,” he said.
These lobola negotiations come shortly after a surprising announcement from the king — filing for divorce from his first wife, Queen Ntokozo Mayisela, at the Pietermaritzburg High Court. In the court documents, the king stated that they had not lived together as husband and wife for over a year and that their marriage had broken down irreparably.
Interestingly, despite the divorce filing, King Misuzulu and Queen Mayisela have been seen attending events together, fueling speculation that the couple might be attempting reconciliation. Their public appearances have led many to wonder if the divorce will proceed or if their bond is being mended.
Adding more drama, the king had earlier set a date to officially marry his third wife, Queen Nomzamo Myeni, on 26 January 2025. However, the ceremony was suddenly cancelled, with the king’s seclusion for the first fruit ceremony cited as the reason. Following the cancellation, King Misuzulu also revoked all governmental benefits previously granted to Queen Myeni, including vehicles and bodyguards. Despite this, the couple has also been seen in public together, leaving the true state of their relationship unclear.
Video footage of the lobola negotiations showed Inkosi Chiliza performing “ekhuleka” (a traditional growling) at the Mdluli homestead gate, symbolizing respect and seeking blessings. “We are here with a cow called ‘inyoni kayiphumuli’ sent by the king to bring good fortune,” Chiliza was heard saying.
Princess Sihle Mdluli, believed to be in her 20s, is from the Ndwandwe chiefdom and was first spotted at the Mashobeni royal palace during recent royal ceremonies. Sources claim her family sent her to be married into the Zulu royal family, where she has now been introduced to the inner circle.
The king’s romantic decisions have sparked national debate, with cultural experts raising concerns about the implications. Professor Gugu Mazibuko noted, “In Zulu culture, divorce is rare and frowned upon. This move shocked many.”
As the Zulu nation watches closely, King Misuzulu’s personal choices continue to shape the future of the royal household and challenge long-standing cultural traditions.
