- Former president Jacob Zuma's 21-year-old daughter, Nomcebo Zuma, made headlines as she publicly joined the royal family of Eswatini as King Mswati III's 16th wife.
- Her first international trip alongside King Mswati III has drawn attention and criticism, with many questioning the motivations behind the marriage.
- South Africans have voiced concerns, labeling the Zuma family as power-hungry, sparking heated discussions on social media platforms.
Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has spent over seven years covering policy changes, the State of the Nation Address, politician-related news, and elections at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.
JOHANNESBURG — The spotlight is shining bright on former president Jacob Zuma’s family once again, as his daughter, Nomcebo Zuma, made her first public appearance as the 16th wife of King Mswati III of Eswatini. This marks a significant moment for the young woman, stepping into her new role within the royal family.
Nomcebo's First Public Appearance as a Royal
Nomcebo Zuma, now one of King Mswati III's wives, was recently seen in a photograph posted by @IntlCablesNet. The picture shows her alongside her husband, preparing for an important international journey. Together, they are set to attend the prestigious World Food Forum in Italy and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. This marks not only her first public appearance as a royal but also her debut on the global stage.
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The marriage between Nomcebo and King Mswati III took place in July 2024, and it quickly became a topic of discussion across the region. In traditional Swazi customs, the king reportedly paid a significant lobola, offering 100 cattle and R2 million to secure Nomcebo's hand in marriage. With a 35-year age gap between the couple, the union has sparked both curiosity and criticism from observers.
Public Reaction: What South Africans Are Saying
As news of Nomcebo's new role spread, reactions on social media platforms like Facebook were mixed, with many South Africans expressing their thoughts. Some users took to the platform to voice their disapproval of the Zuma family's perceived pursuit of power and fame. The comments ranged from disbelief to outright criticism, with users questioning the intentions behind the marriage.
Jack Mthethwa summed up the sentiment of many when he said, “For the love of power and fame.” Charmaine Gouws echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Like father, like daughter.” Another user, Maggie-Ruth Puseletso Ramakatsa, remarked, “Anything for power and affiliations.” These comments reflect the broader perception that the Zuma family may be using their connections to elevate their status.
Other users added their own take on the situation. A participatory economist quipped, “Born of sin, come on in.” PG Paige chimed in, saying, “Zuma doesn’t like this one bit.” Elonka Erasmus humorously remarked, “Anything for fame. Where are they taking a trip to? Nkandla?” These lighthearted jabs highlight the public's skepticism and amusement at the situation.
Some users expressed concern for Nomcebo's future, with Danielle commenting, “Wasting her youth on an old geyser. 10 to 15 years from now, she will look back at her life in regret.” Boniswa Ndyamboti pointed out a parallel, saying, “His father married a 22-year-old girl.” These comments reflect a deeper concern about the implications of such a marriage for the young woman involved.
Allegations of Financial Transactions Between Zuma and Mswati
Adding fuel to the fire, a related article by Briefly News reported that Jacob Zuma may have received undisclosed sums of money from King Mswati III. During an event in Eswatini, it was alleged that one of the king's bodyguards handed over bags containing cash to Zuma. The exact amount and purpose of the money remain unclear, leading to widespread speculation among South Africans.
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This development has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding the relationship between the Zuma family and the royal family of Eswatini. Questions abound about whether this financial transaction is tied to the marriage or if it represents something else entirely. As the story unfolds, it continues to captivate and divide public opinion, with many eager to learn more about the motivations driving these high-profile connections.
