King Mswati tipped to marry Shembe Church leader’s daughter

Rumours are swirling that Eswatini’s King Mswati III is gearing up to take another wife, which would bring his total number of wives to 17.

The alleged bride-to-be is Nontokozo Shembe, daughter of Mduduzi “Unyazi LweZulu” Shembe, one of the revered leaders within the Nazareth Baptist Church.

Reports also claim that lobolo has already been paid to the Shembe family.

KING MSWATI III TIPPED TO MARRY SHEMBE CHURCH LEADER’S DAUGHTER

According to Swaziland News, travel records from the Government Immigration Systems show that Nontokozo has been frequenting the Eswatini royal courts.

She arrived in the kingdom on 28 August 2026 for the Reed Dance ceremony and departed on 4 September 2026.

In line with Eswatini cultural customs, Nontokozo will be formally introduced to the nation after being presented to the royal family.

FORMAL INTRODUCTION POSTPONED

The publication also reported that the King postponed the introduction of Nontokozo as his liphovela (royal fiancée) during the 2026 Reed Dance ceremony.

The move was made out of respect for former South African president Jacob Zuma, whose daughter, Nomcebo Zuma is also engaged to the King.

However, not long after their engagement, cracks between King Mswati and Nomcebo Zuma began to show.

In 2025, it was widely reported that Nomcebo had returned to South Africa.

However, the King reportedly sent a delegation to persuade her to return to Eswatini. The royal couple recently came back from an official trip to Taiwan.

When contacted for comment, Percy Simelane, the King’s spokesperson, said:

“This one appears to be a family affair. I would not know what is in [sic] the mind of the royal family with regards [sic] to the marriage in question.”