Nongoma – The long-standing feud between Zulu King Misuzulu Kazwelithini and his seven siblings over the multi-million rand estate of their late mother, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu, has escalated, with the siblings now boycotting all royal events in protest.
The dispute centres around the distribution of Queen Mantfombi's substantial estate, which includes millions held by the royalty-controlled Swazi Bank in Eswatini and a fortune in property in South African towns such as Pongola and Durban, according to a will publicly read by Adv Griffiths Madoda Madonsela SC in Nongoma in May 2021. The queen also had investments with Old Mutual and Sanlam.
On one side stands King Misuzulu, in his capacity as the eldest son and key signatory to the estate. On the other are his siblings: Princes Bambindlovu, Lungelo, Mandlesizwe, and Simengaye, as well as Princesses Ntandoyesizwe, Nomkhosi, and Bukhosibemvelo, who are demanding that the estate be distributed as per their mother's wishes.
The siblings believe that King Misuzulu is reluctant to follow his mother’s instructions as she lay dying in Johannesburg, which irritates his siblings, who are struggling financially.
The feud reportedly began last year when the King allegedly refused to sign off on the distribution of the funds. Tensions further escalated in April this year when a recording of a heated, expletive-laden argument between King Misuzulu and Princess Nomkhosi was leaked to the media. In the recording, the King was heard using disparaging language towards his sister, referencing their mother’s genitalia. Sources suggest that the argument stemmed from disagreements over the property left by their parents.
Princess Bukhosibemvelo spoke to Sunday World this week, expressing her pain and disappointment over the ongoing dispute. She refuted claims made in August by royal spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu, who stated that a ceremony had been held to "smoke a peace pipe" with the King.
“That was not true; the dispute has not been resolved. Our brother (the king) has not met with us to apologise as requested so that a new chapter can begin. The issue of the estate has not been resolved as well,” she said.
Princess Bukhosibemvelo further revealed the extent of the rift within the royal family, stating, “As you would have noticed, none of us attends royal ceremonies any longer; it is very difficult for us to go there when our brother is treating us very badly.”
The absence of the King's siblings has been particularly noticeable during recent royal events, including this year’s reed dance ceremony at the palaces in Nongoma and Ngwavuma, and during the King Shaka commemoration day in Stanger last month.
A source close to the royal family revealed that the siblings are now spending most of their time in their own private residences.
“The divisions are deep; right now, Prince Bambindlovu is in Eswatini for a traditional wedding ceremony (umgcagco); the king will neither be there nor send representatives as expected. It’s only the prince and his brothers and sisters,” the source said.
Princess Bukhosibemvelo confirmed that they are currently in Eswatini for their brother's traditional wedding ceremony.
Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu left substantial wealth, a bequest from Tibiyo and Tisuka Takangwane, two Eswatini royal companies that provide for late King Sobhuza II’S children, which they are supposed to share equally.
Prince Thulani, the spokesperson for the royal family and the King, has stated that the King has called for a reconciliation ceremony to take place next weekend. “Let’s wait for next week and take it from there,” the spokesperson said.
The outcome of this reconciliation attempt remains to be seen. The deepening feud within the Zulu royal family is a cause for concern, and its resolution is crucial for maintaining unity and stability within the Zulu nation. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the King and his siblings can find a way to bridge their differences and honour the wishes of their late mother.
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