Zulu king’s first wife loses legal bid to block third marriage

Zulu monarch King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has overcome a legal challenge from his first wife, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela, who sought to prevent him from marrying a third wife, Nomzamo Myeni.

Queen Mayisela took her case to South Africa’s High Court, arguing that their civil marriage, established in 2021, was still valid. Under South African law, a civil marriage must either be dissolved or converted into a traditional union before additional wives can be taken.

However, the court dismissed her application on Monday, with Judge Bongani Mngadi ruling that the queen had previously consented to the king taking more wives. Last year, the royal couple reportedly agreed to convert their civil marriage to a traditional one, but relations soured, leading the king to file for divorce.

Despite the legal victory, uncertainty surrounds the planned wedding. A letter allegedly from King Misuzulu surfaced over the weekend, stating that the ceremony had been canceled “due to reasons beyond the control of the royal house.” Yet, conflicting reports emerged, with the bride-to-be claiming she was unaware of the cancellation and insisting the wedding would proceed.

Polygamy and Controversy

Polygamous marriages are legally recognized in South Africa, provided they adhere to customary laws. This dispute is the latest in a series of controversies since King Misuzulu ascended to the throne in 2022, following the death of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The king’s reign has faced scrutiny over his decisions, including the unlawful suspension of the Ingonyama Trust board, which oversees communal land in KwaZulu-Natal. Misuzulu, who serves as the trust’s sole trustee and chairperson, fired the board in December, raising concerns about governance.

Additionally, the king has faced backlash for dismissing key aides, including his traditional prime minister. His legitimacy as monarch is also being challenged in an ongoing legal case.

King Misuzulu wields significant cultural influence, despite his role being largely ceremonial. The Zulu monarchy receives millions of dollars annually from the South African government, underscoring its importance in the country’s heritage.

As questions about the king’s leadership and personal life persist, his reign continues to navigate turbulent waters.

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