In a traditional ceremony marked by vibrant celebrations, Nomcebo Zuma, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has become engaged to King Mswati III of Eswatini.
At the annual reed dance, where she was among hundreds of women and girls performing for the king, the 21-year-old was introduced as the royal fiancée, or liphovela.
King Mswati III, who has ruled Eswatini—formerly Swaziland—since 1986, has now announced that Zuma will be his 16th wife. The king, known for his opulent lifestyle amidst widespread poverty in his country, has frequently faced criticism for his extravagance.
The reed dance, also known as Umhlanga, is a ceremonial event celebrating womanhood, featuring young women dressed in traditional attire and performing dances.
This year’s event, attended by around 5,000 people at the Ludzidzini royal village in Lobamba, was a showcase of Eswatini’s cultural heritage, according to Swazi influencer Bianca Dlamini-Holman.
King Mswati has previously made headlines for selecting much younger brides at these ceremonies. In 2005, he announced a 17-year-old as his 13th fiancée during the same festival.
The king’s reign is characterized by a lack of political parties and a government where elected officials serve only in advisory roles.
