Things are apparently not as they seem in the Zulu royal family. It is alleged that King Misizulu KaZwelithini's honeymoon phase with his third wife, Queen Nomzamo KaMyeni-Zulu, has affected his relationship with his first wife, Queen Ntokozo KaMayisela-Zulu. A source said the queen feels left out because the king spends more time with the new wife, whom he married in May.

NOWHERE TO BE SEEN 

Her absence was highly visible when she did not attend the Annual Reed Dance held at Enyokeni Palace, in Nongoma, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, a fortnight ago and the King's 50th birthday celebration on Monday. The Queen was also not in attendance at the Umkhosi Welembe/Shaka Zulu day held at Stanger High School KwaDukuza yesterday. A source indicated that she chose not to attend these events due to feelings of embarrassment about facing the community, particularly since she allegedly overshadowed by her new sister-wife. The source said the king is often with his latest wife, even when he attends public engagements and meetings.

SHE MOVED OUT OF THE ROYAL HOUSE

According to the source kaMayisela moved out of the royal palace in Ulundi. "She moved into an apartment in Durban with her two kids," the source added. The couple, who have two children, were officially married on 6 May 2021, a day before his mother, Queen Mantfombi Zulu's funeral service. Called for comment, Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi said royal problems are not to be discussed in the media. "The household matters of His Majesty are not matters for public consumption,' he said.