In a traditional ceremony on Monday, Nomceba Zuma, daughter of South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma, confirmed her engagement to King Mswati of Eswatini. The event took place during the annual Reed Dance at the Ludzidzini Royal Village in Lobamba, 23 kilometres southeast of the capital Mbabane.
Nomceba Zuma, 21, was among 5,000 participants from across the kingdom who attended the days-long ceremony. The Reed Dance is a traditional rite of womanhood and an occasion where King Mswati, 56, often selects a new wife. The king, who already has at least 14 wives and 25 children, has been known to marry some of his wives when they were minors.
Last week, Mswati’s brother announced that Nomceba Zuma would attend the Reed Dance as the “liphovela,” meaning the royal fiancée or concubine. This announcement set the stage for her participation in the ceremony, where she danced alongside hundreds of young women and girls in colorful traditional attire.
During Monday’s evening ceremony, the participants, including Nomceba, showcased their cultural heritage by dancing with imitation swords and shields before King Mswati and his entourage, who were dressed in traditional skins. The event highlighted the rich cultural traditions of Eswatini.
Jacob Zuma, 82, who is also polygamous by tradition and has at least 20 children, was forced to resign as president of South Africa in 2018 amid corruption allegations. His daughter’s engagement to King Mswati adds another layer to the complex legacy of the Zuma family.
King Mswati, who has ruled Eswatini by decree since 1986, has faced criticism for his extravagant lifestyle. Nearly 60 percent of the population in the small kingdom lives on less than $1.90 a day, highlighting the stark contrast between the monarchy’s opulence and the people’s poverty.