Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini ka-Bhekuzulu is on the verge of being married to his sixth wife, a 20-year-old Swazi national.
High-level negotiations are presently under way between the king's emissaries and the family of the woman.
This was announced by Mangosuthu Buthelezi on Tuesday in his capacity as prime minister of the Zulu kingdom.
The king has five wives, including a Swazi princess, Mantfombi Dlamini, who is the daughter of the late Swazi king, Sobhuza II.
"His Majesty the King has commanded me to announce that negotiations are going on between himself and Mr Agrippa Mafu of Swaziland concerning the king's imminent betrothal to Zola Zelusiwe Mafu, the daughter of Agrippa Mafu and his wife Rose," Buthelezi said yesterday.
"The king's third Queen is Princess Mantfombi, the daughter of the late king Sobhuza II of Swaziland.
"The king states that in accordance with the Swazi custom, Queen Mantfombi took the initiative to look for a possible young bride for her husband.
"The daughter of Mr Mafu was brought to the KwaKhangelamakengane Palace where Queen Mantfombi resides with the consent and permission of her mother and father," said Buthelezi.
However, Buthelezi, said the matter was still being negotiated.
The king's five wives are Queen Sibongile (nee Dlamini), Queen Buhle (nee Mathe), Queen Mantfombi (nee Dlamini), Queen Thendekile (nee Ndlovu) and Queen Nompumelelo (nee Mchiza).