King Mswati III is set to pay R2 million and 100 cattle as lobolo for Jacob Zuma’s daughter Nomcebo Zuma as he takes her as his 16th wife.
Nomcebo Zuma, the 21-year-old daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, has been officially presented as King Mswati III’s liphovela, or official girlfriend. This week, she made her first public appearance in eSwatini, accompanied by one of the king’s 15 wives.
Lobola Negotiations and Jacob Zuma’s Reaction
According to three independent sources, King Mswati is expected to pay R2 million and offer 100 cattle as lobola for Nomcebo, whose mother is Nonkululeko Hloniphile Mhlongo, also known as MaMhlongo.
Former president Jacob Zuma was visibly angry during the lobola negotiations with the eSwatini royal delegation, which had come to discuss the marriage proposal for his daughter on behalf of the 56-year-old King Mswati III. An insider, speaking anonymously, mentioned that Zuma abruptly left the meeting, expressing his disapproval and leaving everyone stunned.
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Details of the Lobola Delegation
The eSwatini delegation, led by Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze, Prince Hlangabeza Dlamini, and Qethuka Sigombeni Dlamini, visited Zuma’s ancestral home in Nkandla. They were accompanied by Prince Simphiwe Zulu, spokesperson for King MisuZulu ka Zwelithini, and the commander of amabutho (regiments). Their purpose was to perform the ukucela custom, which involves formally expressing the groom’s intentions to the bride’s family.
Zuma reportedly felt betrayed by King Mswati, as the king had previously mentioned that he was interested in Zuma’s daughter for his son, not for himself. This sudden change in intentions led to Zuma’s frustration and departure from the negotiations.
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Reactions from King Mswati’s Wives
King Mswati’s decision to take a new wife has caused unease among his 15 current wives, who believed he would not add to his family due to his age and recent inactivity in taking new wives. Zweli Martin Dlamini, editor of Swaziland News, revealed that some of the king’s wives are unhappy with his decision, as they feel he is not adequately caring for them.
Nomcebo has been spending considerable time in eSwatini since March, entering the country through the Lavumisa and Oshoek-Ngwenya border gates. She initially stayed for three weeks, returned home briefly, and then returned to eSwatini, where she is currently staying in a guest house as she prepares to be introduced as the king’s new girlfriend during the reed dance.