South Africa’s Ex-President Jacob Zuma’s Daughter Marries Eswatini King for Love, Not Politics

At the reed dance Nomcebo Zuma was presented as the "liphovela", which means which means royal fiancée in Swati

Nomcebo Zuma, the 21-year-old daughter of South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma, is set to marry Eswatini’s King Mswati III, 56, after their engagement became official during the kingdom’s traditional reed dance ceremony this week. The union is based on love, not political motives, a spokesperson for the monarchy confirmed.

The reed dance, an eight-day traditional rite of passage, culminated in Nomcebo being presented as the "liphovela," meaning royal fiancée. King Mswati III, known for his polygamous lifestyle, currently has 11 wives and has been married 15 times. Despite widespread criticism for his opulent lifestyle in a country where many citizens face poverty, the king’s spokesman, Alpheous Nxumalo, rejected claims that the marriage is politically motivated, emphasizing that "love has no eyes to see or count age."

King Mswati - seen here at last year's reed dance - has faced scrutiny in the past over the age of his brides

This marks yet another marital link between the Zuma and Mswati families, as the two are already related by marriage. Jacob Zuma, who ruled South Africa from 2009 to 2018, also practices polygamy and is known for his strong adherence to Zulu cultural traditions.

King Mswati, who has ruled Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) for 38 years, remains a controversial figure due to his lavish lifestyle and autocratic governance. His choice of young brides has sparked past criticism, including the 2005 marriage to a 17-year-old shortly after lifting a ban on sexual relations for girls under 18.

The marriage further strengthens the traditional and cultural ties between Eswatini and South Africa’s Zulu monarchy.