CELEBRATIONS were the order of the day as Nkosinathi Hadebe (37) and Zandile Cele (37) tied the knot on Saturday, 17 June in KwaNdengezi, Durban.
The traditional and white wedding was dubbed the KZN Provincial Wedding.
"I've always prayed and wished for this day to come. But due to challenges I nearly lost hope. I thought it would never come. I'm truly grateful to all the sponsors for their support. I'm still shocked that it's finally happening," said Zandile.
Nkosinathi and Zandile's love story was published on Daily Sun two weeks ago.
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Zandile explained how they met, the ups and downs of their relationship as well as how they ended up living together.
During the wedding ceremony, Nkosinathi shared that he's a changed man.
"I know that some people are still doubtful. They are wondering if this is really happening. Well, I don't blame them because they know my past. But I'm a changed man. My past is behind me and I'm a new person now," he said.
Nkosinathi and Zandile were both 14 years old ehen they started dating.
From the onset they knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. But there was one big obstacle, Nkosinathi had no money to pay lobola for Zandile.
Speaking at the podium, Nkosinathi said: "I'd like to thank the sponsors and everyone who made this day a success. But mostly I'd like to thank Jacinta Ngobese for giving me a platform on radio. Otherwise this wouldn't be happening if it wasn't for her.
"We stayed together for years but last year she packed her bags and went back home. I became miserable. I was scared I'd lose her," he said.
Nkosinathi then wrote to Vuma FM presenter Jacinta asking her to play some love songs for Zandile. That request led to one of the biggest and popular weddings in the KZN.
About 27 companies including BI Phakathi, Billy Dlamini, Cakes by Sne, to name a few, sponsored the wedding.
KZN's popular bishop, Vusi Dube, counselled and conducted the wedding ceremony.
Media personalities Nomalizwi Mhlongo, Linda Sibiya and Brenda Mhlongo were the programme directors.
Actress Angel Zuma and Malusi Mbokazi entertained the crowd with music.
