LOBAMBA, Eswatini: Nomceba Zuma, 21, daughter of South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma was among the many women and girls who danced for the king of Eswatini in a traditional ceremony, confirming her engagement to the ruler.
She joined approximately 5,000 attendees from across the small country at the annual Reed Dance held at the Ludzidzini Royal Village, situated 23 kilometers (14 miles) southeast of the capital, Mbabane. This multi-day event, which celebrates womanhood, also serves as the occasion when King Mswati III, 56, announces his selection of a new wife. The king already has at least 14 wives and over 25 children, some of whom he married as minors.
Last week, Mswati’s brother revealed that Nomceba Zuma would participate in the Reed Dance as the “liphovela,” a term denoting a royal fiancée. During Monday evening’s ceremony, she was among a group of young women and girls dressed in vibrant traditional attire, some wielding imitation swords and shields, dancing in front of Mswati and his entourage clad in traditional garments.
Jacob Zuma was compelled to resign as president of South Africa in 2018 amid allegations of corruption. Meanwhile, King Mswati, who has ruled Eswatini by decree since 1986, faces criticism for his lavish lifestyle while about 60 percent of Eswatini’s population lives on less than 169 Rupees ($1.90) per day.
