Johannesburg – Letshego Zulu was one of the top awardees at the annual I Do Awards at the weekend, the fitness instructor receiving a silver honour for Most Inspirational Couple.
Her late husband, Gugu Zulu, died last year while the couple were attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness of the plight of undeprivileged girls who often cannot afford sanitary pads.
Zulu said she respected the union she shared with Gugu and was very patient with him as they got married only after 13 years of dating.
“People rush into these things without having their heads firmly on their shoulders. I only wish people could have shared and experienced a little bit of what I did,” she said.
She said Felicia Buthelezi was one of the people who had believed in her and Gugu’s love for many years.
Mrs SA first princess Olwethu Leshabane, I Do Awards founder Felicia Buthelezi and presenter Benni Langa. Picture: The Star
Buthelezi founded the awards in 2013 as an extension to the I Do magazine.
“I saw the gap in the market for a publication that spoke to me as a married woman. I wanted something that inspired and encouraged marriage. We don't have a lot of that out there,” said Buthelezi.
The awards were held at The Venue at Melrose Arch on Saturday and were co-hosted by Mrs South Africa first princess Olwethu Leshabane.
Zulu said it was an honour to accept the award on behalf of Gugu just four days before their wedding anniversary. She said the day had been a tough one for her but she managed to get through it.
Guest speakers for the night were Patrick Shai and his wife Masechaba. The couple have spoken openly about their 34-year relationship.
Shai used to abuse his wife but changed his ways after shooting a scene that involved domestic violence on the much-loved series Soul City.
Shai is now an ambassador for people against women abuse and the founder of domestic abuse organisation Khuluma Ndoda.
The couple took home the Diamond Award.
Also in attendance were Mayihlome and Zizo Tshwete, MetroFM DJ Amon Mokoena and his wife Ntombi, Vusi and Masechaba Ndlovu as well as Nqubeko Mbatha and his wife Ntokozo Mbambo.