The future AmaZulu Queen Ntokozo Mayisela has been described as ‘diligent and hard-working’. These were the views expressed at her traditional Umembeso ceremony at her home in Newcastle, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Preceding the traditional wedding, the ceremony saw the bride’s family officially present her to the royals including AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
In Zulu culture, the umembeso sees the coming together of both families in an exchange of gifts and goodwill.
Surrounded by her closest female relatives, the bride and in this instance, the future Queen was also presented to the Zulu royal family. It is customary for the King to be married before he ascends the throne.
Royal family spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu says, “This is a conclusive ceremony as we know that we have come to pay lobola and it was done and finished. This is now a second leg towards the marriage and today it is called umembeso as it is an exchange of gifts and the King has brought some cattle but I can’t say how many.”
King MisuZulu kaZwelithini meets the family of his future wife Ntokozo Mayisela
Newcastle locals have turned out to witness the ceremony. The future Queen has thanked the AmaZulu royal family in song for paying lobola.
The ceremony saw senior members of the royal family placing money into a basket in front of the future Queen – a sign of acknowledgment and acceptance.
The future Queen’s uncle Themba Nzimande described her as a diligent and hard-working person, adding she is also a role model for the youth.
“We are so happy and delighted to see ourselves preparing for the wedding of our child. She is always busy helping needy families through her foundation.”
Zulu maidens, Busisiwe Nene and Nokukhanya Zulu joined the future Queen in song and dance as the amaZulu King looked on.
“We really thankful that we still have such events as they teach us to behave in a manner that will not put us into trouble. One day we want to get married and be future wives. We have learnt a lot from such event and it must continue all the time. We are happy to be part of this event and I have learnt a lot from this event, they are good,” says the maidens.
Others in the crowd also praised the preservation of AmaZulu culture.
“I respect the culture and I respect the traditional and for me it is interesting to see the respect that is going amongst ourselves, I really love it and we are in Africa. I like to be part of the celebration and I understand most of the cultures and for me to be accepted under the traditional respect, is fantastic for me,” says a guest.
Preparations for the coronation of the AmaZulu King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini are underway.
King MisuZulu kaZwelithini attends Umembeso ceremony for his future wife Ntokozo Mayisela:
