Key Points
- Nomcebo Zuma (21) to marry King Mswati III of Eswatini (56)
- Engagement announced during traditional reed dance ceremony
- King Mswati III already has 11 wives
- Jacob Zuma (former SA President) experiencing political resurgence
- Concerns raised about the age gap and Eswatini’s political situation
In a shocking twist, 21-year-old Nomcebo Zuma, daughter of South Africa’s ex-president Jacob Zuma, is alleged to be the next wife of Eswatini King Mswati III. This royal engagement has brought into focus matters of love, marriage and politics among the royal kingdoms of the southern part of Africa.
A Match Made in Royal Heaven
The engagement news was rather surprising because the bride-to-be is 35 years younger than her royal fiancé. King Mswati III, 56, already has 11 wives and has been married 15 times. Well, this may be hard to swallow, but Eswatini’s royal spokesman, Alpheous Nxumalo has defended this union saying it is all about love.
“Love has no age, especially unmistakable love,” Nxumalo, reported by the media, said. “This has nothing to do with the political scenario – it is a bond between the two souls.”
Reed Dance Romance
The engagement was formalized during the reed dance festival, a cultural event that takes place in Eswatini and forms part of the rites of passage for young ladies. Nomcebo, who was all dressed in vibrant Eswatini colours, was presented as the “liphovela” – the royal fiancée – at the Ludzidzini Royal Palace.
This eight-day event sometimes referred to as Umhlanga is in essence intended to encourage morality and chastity among the young girls. That is also why occasionally during a dance the participants are chosen as new wives for the king.
According to a report by Ghana Web, this is not the first time that the families of Zuma and the king of Eswatini have had contact with each other. Jacob Zuma and King Mswati III are already distant relatives through marriage. The engagement helps to strengthen the existing relationship between the Zulu people, who are a significant force in South Africa, and the kingdom of Eswatini monarchy.
Public Reactions to the Union
Some people rejoice in the unity while critics indicate disparities in Eswatini. King Mswati III who is an absolute monarch lives lavishly while a large percentage of his populace, about 1.1 million subjects live in abject poverty and one of the highest HIV/AIDS infection rates in the world.
The king has also been known to select young brides in the past which is another worrying factor. He chose a 17-year-old bride in 2005 after he had briefly lifted the prohibition on sexual relations with girls below the age of 18 to curb the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
While there are claims that love is the only reason for their union, it is hard to avoid the temptation to look for some political factors at play. Jacob Zuma, though tarnished by corruption allegations, his popularity rating has recently risen in a significant manner. The new political party he has formed, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) did very well in the most recent election in South Africa.
Those in favour of the engagement say this can improve relations between South Africa and Eswatini. Some, however, fear that it may put a stamp of approval on the authoritarian rule of King Mswati III.
