Her identity has yet to be revealed, but there are clues emerging amid the rumours. We understand that Ntokozo Mayisela from Newcastle is the most likely.
The king, who is currently in Swaziland, is expected to be back in the country within seven days to begin his duties as reigning king of the 15 million-strong Zulu nation.
When he ascends, his new bride is expected to be by his side.
A delegation from the Zulu Royal Family travelled to Newcastle and paid lobola to the Mayisela family.
It was previously thought that the king would marry his Eastern Cape sweetheart, AmaMpondo Crown Princess Wezizwe Sigcau.
Princess Sigcau is the mother of Prince Jubezizweni Sigcau-Zulu (pictured), the first son and only child of King MisuZulu.
It remains unclear whether the future queen is from a royal bloodline, but this is not necessarily a strict requirement in Zulu culture.
The late king, Goodwill Zwelithini, had six wives and his first wife, Queen Sibongile Dlamini, was not from a royal background.
Yesterday, various different sources in the Palace, all speaking on condition of anonymity, told Scrolla.Africa that ilobolo has been paid to the family of the future Queen, but no one was willing to reveal her identity.
A source from the KwaKhangelamankengana Royal Palace said they were angered by rumours that were spread by a lady in KwaNdebele that she would be marrying the king.
“The woman who will be the King’s Queen is from here [KZN] and ilobolo have been paid already by us as the family. That’s what we know. We won’t reveal the name of that woman but what I can tell you is that she is from here in KwaZulu-Natal,” a source said.
Royal Spokesperson, Prince Thulani Zulu, didn’t want to confirm the development at the Palace.
“I think the best person to comment on this issue is Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. He is the one who is speaking on behalf of the family,” he said.