Mr Michael Gumula, a community leader from Itsani, and his long-time partner, Ms Thivhudziwi Mudau, took 26 years to finally tie the knot. Twice before, their wedding had to be postponed at the last minute because of unfortunate circumstances. However, last weekend, to the relief of many, the couple finally exchanged vows and said, "I do."
Their first attempt at getting married was in 1998 when everything was prepared for their special day. However, Mudau was discovered to be pregnant, and their church refused to wed them as this went against their church code. In December 2022, they made arrangements once again, but tragedy struck the family. A close relative of Mudau's from Thivhudziwi passed away in a car accident, and the food that had been prepared for the wedding was used for the funeral instead. Despite these setbacks, their dream of having a white wedding never faded, and at long last, the big day arrived.
On Saturday, 17 June, the Shayandima Township was nearly at a standstill as the community and local structures came together to celebrate with the Gumula and Mudau families. The wedding ceremony took place at the Shayandima Apostolic Unity Church and was officiated by Bishop Obert Ramabulana.
During the ceremony, speakers paid tribute to the couple. Vhakoma Vho-Sibuda Budeli, representing the Tshisahulu Royal Council, praised Gumula for his contributions in improving the communities of Shayandima and Tshisahulu, where he serves on various structures. Budeli commended Gumula for setting a positive example for the community.
Ms Mukondeleli, representing the Shayandima Apostolic Unity Church, expressed the church's excitement that Gumula had fulfilled his promise to have a grand wedding, the first of its kind in their church. She wished the couple all the best on behalf of the church.
During his speech, Gumula mentioned that they had been hoping for the day to come for 26 years. He acknowledged that they were supposed to have married in 1998 but believed that God's timing was always the best and that with Him, everything was possible.