Queen Ntokozo Mayisela Opens Up About Royal Marital Struggles and Personal Challenges

Zulu Queen Ntokozo Mayisela has broken her silence regarding her absence from recent royal events, explaining that the reasons behind it are personal and known only to her husband, King MisuZulu ka Zwelithini. Her statement comes amidst growing speculation surrounding her relationship with the king, particularly following his recent marriage to Queen Nomzamo KaMyeni-Zulu in May 2024. The queen’s absence at significant royal gatherings, including the Annual Reed Dance and King MisuZulu’s 50th birthday celebration, has fueled rumors of marital tensions.

### Queen’s Withdrawal From Public Life

Sources close to the royal family suggest that Queen Ntokozo feels increasingly sidelined since the new queen’s arrival. A source revealed that she feels overshadowed by Queen Nomzamo, which has led her to withdraw from public life. “She feels left out because the king spends more time with the new wife,” the source disclosed. However, in her statement, Queen Ntokozo reassured the Zulu nation of her ongoing commitment to the throne. “I would like to assure the Zulu nation that I remain fully dedicated to the Zulu throne. My love and passion for this beautiful nation, along with my commitment to building and supporting it, have never wavered and will never change,” she expressed.

### Clarifying Personal Matters

In addition to addressing rumors about her absence, Queen Ntokozo also clarified reports surrounding her family life. Rumors had circulated that she had given birth to a third child and was opposed to polygamy. She firmly refuted these claims, stating, “I have two very handsome boys. I have not given birth to any other child besides my boys. I have no objection to polygamy (isithembu).” Despite this clarification, she revealed that learning about her husband’s marriage to another woman through social media was a painful experience. “I learned about my husband’s marriage through social media alongside the rest of South Africa,” she said, expressing the hurt this caused her.

### Social Media Attacks and Personal Struggles

The queen also addressed the emotional toll that social media attacks have had on her and her children. She expressed dismay over the defamation of her character, describing it as a source of significant distress. “The constant defamation of my character on social media has caused me and my children great distress,” she shared. Although she had previously remained silent about the rumors, she felt that her silence had been taken advantage of, leading to the public backlash.

### Strained Royal Dynamics

Inside sources have suggested that the relationship between Queen Ntokozo and King MisuZulu has deteriorated significantly. Following the king’s coronation last year, reports emerged of trust issues between the couple, which ultimately led to Queen Ntokozo moving out of the royal palace in KwaNongoma. She reportedly relocated to an apartment in Durban with her two children, a move that raised further questions about the state of their marriage. Insiders claim that Queen Ntokozo’s withdrawal from royal duties also extended to her loss of royal privileges, such as bodyguards and royal vehicles. “Queen Mayisela decided to go back to her old life after she realised that she meant nothing to the King,” one source claimed.

### Public and Royal Reactions

The ongoing tension within the Zulu royal family has been met with mixed reactions. Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi has stated that royal matters should remain private, asserting that the household affairs of His Majesty are not for public discussion. A spokesperson for the royal family also dismissed the rumors as gossip, fueling the ongoing speculation. Despite the royal family’s stance, Queen Ntokozo’s openness about her personal struggles highlights the complexities of royal life and the emotional challenges that come with public scrutiny.

In her closing remarks, Queen Ntokozo urged the public to respect her privacy. “To those responsible for the rumours, I ask that you bear in mind that I am a public figure—I’m also a mother—a role that gives me the inherent right to protect myself,” she concluded, calling for understanding and compassion during this difficult time.