Hi, mum. I am not as familiar with the royals/former royals in South Africa as I am with those in Uganda. I hope you don't mind me asking....does the South African constitution mention tribal leaders/chiefs/kings at all? and if so, in what context? I have done more research on Uganda, which only relatively recently restored some level of autonomy on the traditional leaders of different tribes, formally recognizing many of them in the constitution, but at the same time very clearly stating that no one can be forced or coerced to pledge allegiance, loyalty, or be made to contribute financially to any of the traditonal leaders. In addition, none of them may participate in politics.
I understand that the Zulu king has a great deal of influence in the country (and isn't one of his cousins a former prime minister or minister of foreign relations?) and that he sometimes clashes with the government?
On the polygamy/history issue, sorry but I tend to agree with Warren that while not a ruling monarchy, the Zulu tribe under a hereditary monarch predates many current and former monarchies. And with the polygamy, that may be a cultural norm which I cannot criticise, even if I don't personally agree with the practice. Besides, other societies have adapted their cultures away from previous traditions (most recently with the young King of Bhutan who, despite his father's four marriages to a family of sisters, has publicly stated that his new bride will be his only wife) and perhaps change may come in the next generation.