By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini married his third wife, Queen Nomzamo Myeni in a traditional wedding at KwaKhangelamankengane Palace in Nongoma on Sunday.
Myeni, who is from the eMachobeni Royal Palace, will become his third wife.
He already has a first wife, Queen Ntokozo Mayisela, whom he married in a civil ceremony about two years ago.
The news of the king taking another wife comes in the midst of his entanglement with his second wife, Queen Nozizwe Mulela kaMakhubu of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The monarch – who grew up in neighbouring Eswatini, studied in the US and came to the throne in 2021 – seems to court controversy.
His coronation was challenged in court by his elder half-brother, who has been trying to snatch the crown from him.
The wedding started at about 1pm.
Amabutho were poorly represented, with only a sizeable number from Nongoma. Amabutho from other areas did not attend as transport was not organised.
Political attendees included the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi.
The king tied the knot in a traditional ceremony and the programme was administered by the Nazareth Baptist Church since the king and Myeni are both devotees.
The king and Myeni made vows in front of a crowd of about 1,000 people. They also danced together in the kraal.
Myeni became emotional when they were called to make their vows.
The last wedding in the Zulu monarchy was in 2014, when the late Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu married Queen Zola Mafu. That wedding took place at the Ulundi Stadium in northern KZN.