Nomcebo Zuma, Daughter to Jacob Zuma Becomes the 16th Wife of Eswatini’s King in Grand Traditional Ceremony
Nomcebo Zuma, daughter of Jacob Zuma, has been officially recognized as the 16th wife of the King of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, following a traditional ceremony on Monday night.
The event took place at the Ludzidzini royal village in Lobamba, where over 5,000 attendees gathered to witness this momentous occasion.
At just 21 years old, Nomcebo Zuma has become the 16th wife of the 56-year-old King. She was seen participating in the reed dance, a traditional ritual of womanhood where young women gather to perform songs and dances for the king with their chests exposed.
During the reed dance, some women are designated as liphovela, meaning royal fiancée or concubine. They don traditional attire, including anklets and colorful tassels, while wielding mock swords and shields.
The reed dance, also known as Umhlanga, is celebrated as a representation of Eswatini’s elegant culture. The country, with a population of 1.2 million, has been ruled by King Mswati III since 1986, who is known for marrying younger brides.
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Several of the king’s marriages have attracted attention due to the significant age differences and the controversies surrounding his rule.
In a 2005 BBC report, the king made headlines for taking 17-year-old Phindile Nkambule as his 13th fiancée after she caught his eye during a reed dance the previous month.
Earlier, the king had lifted a ban on sexual relations with girls under 18, a rule he had imposed to combat HIV/AIDS. However, two months after enforcing the ban in 2001, he fined himself a cow for breaking his own rule by marrying a 17-year-old as his ninth wife.
The King rules Eswatini by decree, with political parties banned and elected officials serving only in an advisory role. His reign has faced criticism for the extravagant lifestyle and opulent ceremonies of the monarchy, while much of the population lives in severe poverty.
Nomcebo Zuma was born into a polygamous family, as her father, Jacob Zuma, had multiple wives and more than 20 children.
Nomcebo Zuma, Daughter to Jacob Zuma Becomes the 16th Wife of Eswatini’s King in Grand Traditional Ceremony
