By Sihle Mavuso
The suburban house in Pongola, northern KwaZulu-Natal, currently occupied by King Misuzulu KaZwelithini, has been put up for sale.
It is owned by Edward Phumlani Ngwenya, a prominent businessman who has been the Zulu King’s benefactor since he took the throne in 2021.
The news of the pending sale of the house started spreading on Tuesday when an estate agent put up a “for sale” sign with his contact details and left.
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The King’s spokesperson, Mpikayise Buthelezi, confirmed that the house is for sale and that it belongs to Ngwenya, a long-time friend and associate of the Zulu King.
“The property in question belongs to Mr Phumlani Ngwenya, a friend and associate of His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. During the disputes surrounding His Majesty’s accession to the throne, and before his formal recognition by government, Mr Ngwenya generously made his residence available to the King as a safe haven.
“His Majesty has since established Emashobeni Royal Palace, also in Pongola, as his royal residence. Upon relocating, the King expressed his gratitude to Mr Ngwenya for his unconditional assistance and returned possession of the property to him.
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“Mr Ngwenya subsequently decided to place his property on the market. The sale is therefore a private decision by the owner following the conclusion of the accommodation arrangement with His Majesty,” Buthelezi said.
However, when Inside Politics reached out to Ngwenya, he said he is “not aware” that the house is for sale. When asked who put up the sign, he responded: “It could be the enemies of the King.”
The Zulu King began occupying the house shortly after ascending the throne, travelling between it and KwaKhangela Royal Palace in Nongoma to conduct his official duties. To this day, he holds many of his official meetings at the house, which locals have dubbed the “palace”.
At some point, he occupied it with his first wife, Queen Ntokoza Mayisela, and their children. She later left after a fallout and it is not clear who lives with him in the mansion right now.
