By Celani Sikhakhane
Members of the Abathembu royal family have turned against Queen Nokwanda, accusing her of trying to “steal the throne” and turn the king into a “zombie”.
The queen’s marriage to King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo is also on the brink. Not only are they reportedly no longer living together, there are rumours that the king entered into a secret marriage last Friday at the Gonubie Baptist Church.
The situation has escalated to the point where Dalindyebo and his sisters are now seeking to expel Nokwanda from the royal family.
One of the king’s sisters, Princess Ndileka Dlamini, who is married to King Mswati’s brother, sent a message to Queen Nokwanda, urging her to leave their brother and the royal family.
“We are asking you to take your stuff and leave the royal family for good. You have been trying to steal the throne by turning our brother into a zombie. I am glad that he has finally come to his senses about you,” she stated on a family WhatsApp group.
“Please leave the Royal family and allow our new Queen to take over in peace.”
Dalindyebo visited the Bumbano Great Palace on Tuesday to introduce his fiancée, Khazeka Nolubabalo Mcinga, to the royal family.
During the gathering, he announced his decision to divorce Nokwanda in order to marry Mcinga, describing her as a queen who would bring unity to the family.
Nokwanda and Ndileka have not yet issued any public statements regarding the situation.
However, the king’s spokesperson, Mthunzi Ngonyama, said that Dalindyebo continues to stay with his fiancee but has not permanently left the Bumbane Great Palace.
“Queen Nokwanda is a great wife and preparations to pay lobola to her family by the Abathembu nation are underway,” said Ngonyama. It will be the second time lobola will be paid to her family, this time because she is a great wife.
“The King and Queen Nokwanda have children together. From time to time, King Buyelekhaya goes to the Bumbano Great Palace for meetings.”
Pictured above: Queen Nokwanda
Image source: Supplied
