Queen Nomzamo Myeni sparks debate after calling King Misuzulu ‘my husband’
Queen Nomzamo Myeni is at the centre of an online storm after a Facebook post in which she referred to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as “my husband.” The post, celebrating the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of Prince Simakade Zulu’s appeal against the king’s recognition as the rightful heir to the AmaZulu throne, has ignited discussions about royal etiquette and the public role of the Zulu monarchy.
A royal announcement meets social media backlash
In her post, Queen Nomzamo congratulated the king, writing:
“Congratulations to my husband, His Majesty @kingmisuzulu. Today, we give thanks as the Constitutional Court of South Africa has refused the appeal bid against the recognition of my husband as the rightful King of the Zulu Nation. Nkulunkulu mkhulu! May your reign continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and unity. I am so proud of you, My King.”
The heartfelt message was accompanied by a wedding-day photograph of the royal couple. Yet, while some praised the affectionate tone, many social media users argued that the phrasing breached royal protocol, reducing the King’s office to that of a private individual rather than the symbolic leader of the Zulu Nation.
Lunathi Kilani, commenting on X, stated:
“It cannot be dignified, nor in keeping with royal protocol, to refer to iSilo as your or ‘my’ husband in public communication. The King does not function merely as a man within a private household. His Majesty is first and foremost the King of the Zulu Nation. Titles matter. Protocol matters.”
Other reactions ranged from bemusement to sarcasm, with users debating whether Queen Nomzamo’s words were endearing or inappropriate.
“My husband this, my husband that. You go, girl,” remarked Khanyisile Nonkazimulo Ligege, highlighting the mix of admiration and criticism swirling online.
A union that divided opinion
Queen Nomzamo and King Misuzulu tied the knot in November 2025 through two lavish traditional ceremonies. The events drew politicians such as Julius Malema and Panyaza Lesufi, underscoring the union’s high profile.
Despite public scrutiny, partly because Queen Nomzamo had children from a previous relationship, the king publicly affirmed his commitment, stating at the reception:
“If you love a person, you just love them. I’m following my heart.”
This was a reaffirmation of the king’s affection, even as his third marriage stirred debate among monarchists and the general public alike.
Context of the AmaZulu monarchy
King Misuzulu currently has four wives: Ntokozo KaMayisela, Nozizwe Mulela, Nomzamo Myeni, and Sihle Mdluli. Polygamy, while traditional and legal within the Zulu royal family, often draws both admiration and criticism in contemporary South African discourse, especially when matters of succession, inheritance, and royal protocol are involved.
Social media reactions illustrate a generational and cultural divide: while some appreciate the humanizing glimpse of royal life, others argue that public affection should be carefully framed to maintain the dignity of the throne.
“Call him that in private; in public, he is a state head,” commented user Lungelo Thobeka Dlamini Buthelezi, reflecting a common perspective on upholding ceremonial respect.
The enduring balance of love and legacy
Queen Nomzamo’s post, though controversial, also serves as a reminder that even in highly traditional institutions, personal affection and public duty intersect in complex ways. Her candid words reveal the tension between private emotion and public expectation, a theme familiar to royal families worldwide.
As debates rage online, one thing remains clear: the story of Queen Nomzamo and King Misuzulu continues to captivate South Africans, blending royal tradition, social media culture, and personal love into a narrative that sparks conversation far beyond the Zulu kingdom.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@collenmashawane}
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!
