By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Johannesburg, South Africa — Nomcebo Zuma, the 22-year-old daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has reportedly left her royal marriage to King Mswati III of eSwatini, causing ripples across regional political and traditional circles.
Known as Inkhosikati LaZuma within the Swazi royal household, Nomcebo is said to have walked away from palace life, citing dissatisfaction with her polygamous marriage specifically, her inability to endure months without seeing her husband.
In accordance with Swazi tradition, when a wife disappears, a practice called kwemuka, the king typically dispatches a delegation to her family to negotiate her return. Allegedly, a royal team was sent to Zuma’s homestead in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, to address her absence.
While her marriage to King Mswati was not officially announced by the palace, it was exclusively reported by Swaziland News in 2024, when she was introduced as the King’s Liphovela (girlfriend) during the annual uMhlanga Reed Dance ceremony. Shortly thereafter, she became part of the royal household.
Her sudden departure has reportedly left both families in a tense standoff, with regional implications.
When approached for comment, King Mswati’s spokesperson Percy Simelane told Swaziland News that he was unaware of the situation.
“I am not informed, by design and principle, my office only handles the King’s public affairs, not private family matters,” Simelane said.
Sources close to the situation reveal that a royal delegation has been stationed in Nkandla for days, attempting to meet with Jacob Zuma. However, Zuma allegedly refused to even acknowledge their presence.
Insiders claim that Zuma told the envoys he had never supported the marriage from the outset, only acquiescing due to his daughter’s insistence. His silence on her departure might suggest his support for her decision to leave.
King Mswati, known for his opulent lifestyle and absolute authority, has more than 14 wives and over 50 children. Reports suggest that the sheer number of wives and children overwhelmed Nomcebo, prompting her decision to leave.
Efforts to reach members of the Zuma family for comment at this time have been unsuccessful.
This development highlights ongoing challenges within royal and political alliances in the region, amid rising questions about the sustainability of traditional marriage practices and the influence of external family dynamics.