SOUTH African women must learn and take notes from Queen Zola Mafu, said polygamist Musa Mseleku.
He joined hundreds of people who were praising Queen Mafu for attending King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s “ukungena esibayeni” ceremony.
The event, held on Saturday, 20 August, saw all late king Zwelithini’s wives failing to attend – except for Queen Mafu. And King Misuzulu noted the absence of other queens, and gave a special thanks to Queen Mafu.
In his speech, he said: “Ndlunkulu kaMafu, my father’s wife, out of all my queen mothers you’re the only one who came out to support me. Ngiyathokoza.”
Since Sunday, Queen Mafu has been trending for being loyal and mothering King Misuzulu.
Xhamela Mgcina wrote: “What Queen Mafu did will never be forgotten. She took her rightful place as Queen Mother.”
Then Timothy Sengai wrote: “I felt pain; a tough moment for the king. Thumbs up to Queen Mafu for gracing this occasion.”
Mseleku said: “Queen Mafu showed the world what it means to be in a polygamous marriage. Once again, this showed the importance of isithembu in an African context; we applaud her for that. In the absence of the king’s biological mother, she stood in the gap and became a mother to King Misuzulu. Her presence meant everything to him.”
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He further said it must be remembered that King Misuzulu’s mother, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, initiated polygamy and chose Queen Mafu to be her sister-wife.
“She saw the need for another wife and only Queen Mafu could play that role. This is the correct way of isithembu. Culturally, polygamy is initiated by women – not men. But women of today are often against the idea, which is why most men start by cheating before introducing the other wife. Our women must learn and take notes from Queen Mafu,” he added.
Royal house spokesman Prince Thulani Zulu said the ceremony was a big event, and all the queens were supposed to attend.
“Unfortunately, due to other commitments, they could not attend. One of them was in Uganda performing royalty duties. But Queen Mafu’s presence completed the ceremony; it brought hope to the king. It would have been sad if none of them attended. Once again, this proved the importance of polygamy, especially in our African cultures. I say this because in the absence of one wife, the second or next one can stand in the gap and become the mother figure,” he said.
