Reigning King of the Zulu nation King Misuzulu kaZwelithini alongside members of the AmaZulu royal family are expected to travel to the home of the future AmaZulu Queen Ntokozo Mayisela at Osizweni, Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal today.
The bride’s family will be officially presenting Mayisela to the AmaZulu royal family in the traditional Umembeso ceremony.
As part of the ceremony, both families will exchange gifts.
Warriors and members of the AmaZulu royal family members will accompany King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to the Umembeso.
As part of the ceremony, both families will exchange gifts and sing songs of unification,in a ritual that precedes the traditional wedding.
Both families can determine or set the date of the wedding thereafter.
Last year, elders from the AmaZulu royal family paid labola to the Mayisela family.
Cultural expert Gugu Mazibuko explains that ceremonies like this are sacred and it is customary for the AmaZulu King to be married before he ascends the throne.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has pledged his support to the AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini after President Cyril Ramaphosa recognised him as the new AmaZulu monarch.
MisuZulu’s father, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu passed on a year ago.
Zikalala says they will be working closely with the royal family and national government to ensure that the coronation ceremony runs smooth.
“As the provincial government we further wish to congratulate his majesty King Misuzulu and pledge our support and that we are from now onward going to work with the royal house toward ensuring that the coronation ceremony takes place according to the plans.
We will be working with national government as well as the Royal house in ensuring that this is done according to the plans and as soon as possible.”
The wives of late king Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuZulu, queens Thandekile Ndlovu and Zola Mafu are expected in attendance at the umembeso of King Misuzulu and Ntokozo Mayisela.