Zulu Queen fights to block king’s second marriage

January 20, 2025
king and wife
king and wife

First wife of King Misuzulu challenges planned royal wedding through civil court action.

Queen Ntokozo Mayisela has filed a court interdict to prevent King Misuzulu kaZwelithini from marrying his second bride, despite the monarch’s announcement canceling the wedding.

The legal challenge, filed in Pietermaritzburg High Court, argues that the king’s planned marriage to Nomzamo Myeni would constitute bigamy under civil law while his first marriage remains valid.

Cultural expert Professor Musa Zulu explained that despite Zulu traditions of polygamy, the king cannot legally register a second marriage without first divorcing Mayisela under civil law.

King Misuzulu has served divorce papers on Queen Mayisela, who has filed notice to defend. The monarch has also stripped his fiancée of royal benefits, including VIP security.

The case highlights growing tensions between traditional customs and modern legal requirements in South African royal succession.