AmaZulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini. Photo: Supplied
Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini has called off his wedding with his fiancé Nomzamo Myeni and dismissed another official from royal duties, his representative and spokesperson, Prince Simphiwe Zulu,
King Misuzulu made the announcement on Sunday in a letter addressed to Nonhlanhla Mkhize, the director-general in the Office of the Premier in KwaZulu-Natal.
Reports suggested that the King had already paid lobola and was preparing for a big wedding feast.
“I write to formally instruct the immediate withdrawal of all benefits and security detail previously assigned to Ms Nomzamo Myeni.
“Due to reasons beyond the control of the Royal House, the traditional wedding ceremonies involving Ms Myeni have been called off. As a result, it has become necessary to terminate all associated arrangements,” King Misuzulu said.
King Misuzulu said the security detail assigned to Myeni is to be withdrawn by no later than 11:00 AM on Sunday.
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The wedding, which was supposed to take place on 24 and 26 January 2025, in Jozini is already being opposed in court by King Misuzulu’s first wife, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela, who argued that it would amount to bigamy.
Queen Ntokozo approached the KZN High Court in Pietermaritzburg to interdict the marriage between the King and Myeni.
The urgent court application to stop King Misuzulu from marrying Myeni was supposed to be heard in the high court on Monday
In her court papers, Queen Ntokozo suggested that the King Misuzulu would break the law if he took another wife.
She also argued that another marriage will cause chaos and turmoil in the family. The queen and the king are in a civil marriage recognised under South African law.
They are also embroiled in a bitter divorce battle in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
Queen Ntokozo and King Misuzulu were married in 2021.
At the time, Misuzulu had not been coronated as the Zulu king. However, they two have children.
On Saturday, King Misuzulu also shocked many in the royal court when he fired his long time right-hand man, Prince Simphiwe Zulu of KwaMinyamanzi royal house with immediate effect.
In a letter to Prince Simphiwe, the King state the Prince of KwaMinyamanzi neglected his duties, including being inaccessible as a spokesperson, neglecting important communications, and failing to uphold his responsibilities.
“After careful consideration and extensive consultation, I have come to the conclusion that it is in the best interest of the Zulu Royal House and the Kingdom of KwaZulu to relieve you of all your official duties with immediate effect,” King Misuzulu said.
He also accused Prince Simphiwe of withholding several crucial pieces of information from Ingonyama Trust Board and other entities where he was representing him.
According to King Misuzulu, several media houses also complained about Prince Simphiwe’s failure to provide comments, leading to one-sided and mostly inaccurate reports.
King Misuzulu stated that this had tarnished not only the reputation, integrity, and dignity of the royal house but also his own as the king.
In December last year, King Misuzulu fired his prime minister and KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Reverent Thulasizwe Buthelezi.
The monarch reportedly sacked the MEC from the key and influential position in the kingdom.
“Today, I address you with a heavy heart as I announce my withdrawal with immediate effect of the name of Rev. Thulasizwe Dominic Buthelezi (MPL) from this esteemed position,” the King said.
“Reasons for the withdrawal are to be shared with traditional leaders and the nation in due course, as all are still observing uMkhosi until the end of January 2025.”
King Misuzulu said that from time immemorial, the “position of Zulu prime minister held profound significance.”
Additional reporting by Itumeleng Mafisa
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