Mswati III: King of Swaziland flaunts 14th wife

Sphelele was picked as the king's 14th wife, during the annual Reed Dance ceremony which took place earlier this month.

Following much speculation, the king of Swaziland, Mswati III, has officially revealed his new bride, his 14th wife, Siphelele Mashwama, aged 19.

According to reports, Siphele is the daughter of a Swaziland Cabinet minister, Jabulile Mashwama.

The new bride who is reportedly a graduate of Swaziland’s Waterford Kamhlaba World University College is currently in New York, where the king is attending the United Nations General Assembly.

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Instablog9ja reports that Sphelele was picked as the king's 14th wife, during the annual Reed Dance ceremony which took place earlier this month.

As previously reported, it’s a common tradition in Swaziland for the king to choose a wife each year.

The Reed Dance ceremony is an annual event held in August or September, where unmarried ladies travel to Ludzidzini to take part in the 8-day event and would-be brides have their virginity checked publicly.