King Zwelithini Queen Mantfombi MaDlamini Zulu Nation

Photo: Supplied

King Zwelithini: New Zulu leader named – who is Mantfombi MaDlamini Zulu?

Queen Mantfombi MaDlamini Zulu is temporarily in charge of the Zulu nation, following the death of King Zwelithini – here’s what you should know about her.

King Zwelithini Queen Mantfombi MaDlamini Zulu Nation

Photo: Supplied

A new leader has been chosen for the Zulu nation – on a temporary basis, anyway. Queen Mantfombi MaDlamini Zulu will briefly take the wheel while a permanent successor is chosen. It’s thought that one of her sons with King Zwelithini, who passed away last week, will eventually assume the throne.

New Zulu ruler to replace King Zwelithini… for the time being

As a queen consort, she has enjoyed the same monarchal status as her husband, without the extent of his powers. She will, however, assume the political and protective responsibilities during her interim spell in charge. The news was confirmed earlier on Sunday, thrusting the 64-year-old into the spotlight:

Who is Mantfombi MaDlamini Zulu?

It’s not clear how long the process to name a full-time successor to King Zwelithini will take. But it appears the Zulu nation is in good, familiar hands with MaDlamini Zulu. Here’s what you need to know about the senior royal:

  • – She was born in 1956, and her brother is the current king of eSwatini (King Mswati III).
  • – After a traditional upbringing in the Swazi royal family, the princess was betrothed to King Zwelithini in 1973.
  • – MaDlamini Zulu was announced as ‘the great wife’ during their wedding in 1977, a position that gives her family and lineage more power.
  • – Her duties as queen consort over the past 44 years has seen the monarch establish a strong reputation in the Zulu kingdom.
  • – Although the queen will serve as interim leader, one of her sons is likely to permanently replace King Zwelithini.
  • – Mantfombi is one of six wives married to the deceased king, and she has had eight children with him – including five sons.


This is a developing story and we’ll have more updates on our homepage, as the day progresses