Nomcebo Zuma, the daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, has fled her husband, King of Eswatini, Mswati III, after the king reportedly stopped sleeping with her three months into their union.
The 22-year-old, who has now returned to her father’s home in KwaZulu-Natal, married Mswati last year to become his 16th official wife.
Between his numerous wives and official duties as the leader of the kingdom, Mswati reportedly gave attention to the first three months of their union. Usually, the king is said to be close to his latest wife until she gives birth.
According to insiders who spoke to Swaziland News, Nomcebo had grown increasingly frustrated with her failure to get the attention of the king.
“She appears to be frustrated by the royal life and its strict protocols. Remember that the king has other duties, and at times he is not seen in public and by family for days while performing rituals that have to do with the throne.
“You will also remember that the king is not an ordinary citizen. Before public duty like opening the parliament, he has to go into seclusion.
“I think Inkhosikati LaZuma failed to understand that, hence her frustration and decision to leave,” said a source closely associated with the royal guards.
The source added that Nomcebo appeared to have been frustrated by the strict royal protocols.
“It was frustrating to her that she could not easily go to the malls around and do some shopping as a wife. She had to go there with a squad of bodyguards and helpers. Besides that, even within the palace, there are strict protocols.”
King Mswati’s spokesperson, Percy Simelane, said he could not confirm reports of Nomcebo’s departure, as he was only responsible for the king’s image, not his private life.
“We are not aware (that) Inkhosikati LaZuma has deserted the king. We cannot even promise to check it out because, by principle, it is only the public face of the king that is our area of interest and not his private life.
“Logically, ideally, and ethically, following it up would be (an) invasion of privacy on our part.”
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