Zulu succession gets ugly: First wife MaDlamini disputes King’s will

The race to the throne in the Zulu Nation has taken a darker turn this week, following the tragic death of interim regent Queen Mantfombi. This, just weeks after King Zwelithini died, has created a bit of chaos in the succession process – and MaDlamini, the first wife of the recently deceased male monarch, is launching a bombshell legal challenge.

Who is MaDlamini?

According to a statement released by MaDlamini loyalists and their legal counsel, the first wife of Goodwill Zwelithini is unhappy with the contents of his final will. As she is the only wife who married in a civil rites ceremony (as opposed to traditional ceremonies), the royal believes the power should rest firmly in her hands.

MaDlamini has had five children with Goodwill Zwelithini:

1. Prince Lethukuthula Zulu, the first-born child who sadly died last year.
2. Princess Nombuso Zulu, a few years younger, is now the owner of Durban-based Ilembe Catering Services.
3. Ntombizosuthu Ka Zwelithini Duma, who became a businesswoman and co-owns Strategic Persuasions and Zamalwandle Transport Logistics with her husband. She is married to Mbongiseni Duma, a prominent businessman from Johannesburg
4. Princess Ntandoyenkosi Ka Zwelithini Ngcaweni, born in 1982, serves as an Asset Manager at the Public Investment Corporation.
5. Princess Sinethemba Bati Zulu, the youngest of the bunch, is studying International Relations at the University of Witwatersrand.

Zulu succession battle latest

• As per their official line on the matter, two issues have been raised by the MaDlamini camp

“We wish to confirm that there are pending matters before the courts in relation to the estate of His Majesty, the late King Goodwill Zwelithini of the Zulu Nation. The first matter relates to the declarator of the late monarch’s civil union vs the subsequent ’customary’ unions, in order to deal with matters of inheritance and succession to the throne.”

“On the second matter, we can confirm that the will has been read to the royal family. However, based on certain concerns in regards to the handling and signature of the document, it became necessary to place the document’s validity for determination before the courts.” | Statement from MaDlamini representatives