The Zulu royal family is preparing for another royal wedding after amaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini formally concluded lobola negotiations with the family of Princess Sihle Mdluli, clearing the way for the couple’s anticipated marriage later this year.
The weekend ceremony took the King and his entourage to Nkomazi village in Mpumalanga, where traditional customs took centre stage as gifts were presented to the bride’s family and the lobola process was finalised.
Among those accompanying the monarch were newly appointed Traditional Prime Minister Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, royal spokesperson Mpikayise Buthelezi, Private Secretary Arnold Ndamase and members of various regiments.
According to Buthelezi, the King paid 70 cattle as lobola for Princess Mdluli, a reflection of her royal lineage.
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“We received a warm welcome by the bride’s family in Mpumalanga and we paid 70 cattle because she is a princess. Now we are focusing on the preparations for the wedding,” said Buthelezi.
Mdluli, who is referred to as Queen Mawewe in her royal family, comes from Mawewe Traditional Council where her mother, Khulile Mkhwatshwa is an inkosi. Mdluli already resides in the Mashobeni Royal Palace in Pongolo in northern KwaZulu-Natal. She will be the king’s fourth wife and joins Queen Ntokozo Mayisela, Queen Nozizwe Mulela and Queen Nomzamo Myeni in the royal family.
