TRUE love never dies . . . and Thembinkosi and Florence are living proof of that!
For Thembinkosi (101) and his wife Florence Mahlalela (94) every day is Valentine’s Day.
The couple from Ndabayakhe, Empangeni, KZN, have stuck to their wedding vows in good and bad times.
The tied the knot 74 years ago. Madala and gogo met in 1948 at work and it was love at first sight.
“When I first saw her, I saw a beautiful woman who was humble and full of respect. I told her I wanted to be her husband and my wish was granted. From that day I’ve been the happiest man alive,” said Madala.
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Gogo Florence said: “My husband has been my life. He is the first thing I want to see when I open my eyes in the morning. When I don’t see him for an hour I shout ‘baba!’ and he comes to me.” They were both hospitalised recently and were accommodated in the same room at Netcare The Bay Hospital in Richards Bay.
“Mr and Mrs Mahlalela have crept into our hearts during their stay,” said Mduduzi Ngubane, general manager of the hospital.
They had 11 kids and eight are still alive. They also have 18 grandkids and 20 great-grandkids.
Their granddaughter Ntombenhle Mahlalela (44) said: “Our home is filled with love, and we’re blessed to witness such a beautiful love story.” The madala said the key to their lasting marriage comes from Genesis 2:24.
“The two must be one in all things,” he said.
