Eswatini monarch King Mswati’s decision to marry former South African president Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Nomcebo, will set him back financially significantly, amid revelations that he will have to pay R2 million and a herd of 100 cattle as bride price.
With the secret out of the bag that he meant to marry his erstwhile friend’s daughter, the monarch unveiled her as his liphovela – an official girlfriend – last week, making her first public appearance in eSwatini along with one of the monarch’s 15 wives.
The king’s decision to marry again has reportedly caused rumbles in the Eswatini royal household, as his wives are reportedly unhappy that at the prospect of adding Zuma’s daughter to their ranks.
However, this has done little to dissuade the would-be bride’s mother, Nonkululeko Hloniphile Mhlongo, also known as MaMhlongo, for pushing for the lucrative union.
“MaMhlongo’s eyes are on the lobolo price, which is reportedly to be six figures and about 100 cattle,” a member of the Zuma family, who spoke to Sunday World on condition of anonymity said.
Last week, it was revealed that Zuma stormed out of lobola negotiations after learning of Mswati’s intentions.
“I’ve never seen uNxamalala (Zuma) losing it like that. He tried to hide it, but you could tell that he was angry.
“He just stood up and said seniyosala niqhubeka bafana bakithi (I won’t be a part of this, you will have to carry on without me, my brothers). He then left, leaving all of us shocked,” an insider revealed.
Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze, the king’s executive officer, Prince Hlangabeza Dlamini, and Qethuka Sigombeni Dlamini, the king’s emissaries, led his delegation on that occasion.
Prince Simphiwe Zulu, the spokesperson of King MisuZulu and the commander of amabutho also accompanied them. The king’s spokesperson, Percy Simelane, said he could not comment on the king’s private life.
“It is our principle not to comment about the king’s private life in the media.” Telly Africa
Is he capable to manage the ladies sexually or he is just a greedy King?