How Zuma likes his Rooibos tea…

President Jacob Zuma joins in the marriage celebrations of his son Edward and Phumelele . The reception was held at the Tala Game Reserve in Camperdown amid tight security.

President Jacob Zuma joins in the marriage celebrations of his son Edward and Phumelele . The reception was held at the Tala Game Reserve in Camperdown amid tight security.

Published Oct 9, 2011

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President Jacob Zuma told his new daughter-in-law, Phumelele, in front of a marquee full of close friends and family, exactly how he likes his rooibos tea. “With milk and a dash of honey,” he told her, amid cheers and laughter.

President Zuma was speaking at the wedding reception of Edward and Phumelele Zuma, which was held at Tala Game Reserve near Camperdown on Friday.

It was an exclusive affair, open only to close friends and family and, to keep it so, security was extra- tight. On arrival at the picturesque game reserve, guests were met by a large police presence, which included the SAPS Presidential Unit, VIP Protection, Metro police and even the military. All guests were screened at the security checkpoint at the entrance of the Fig Tree Private Villa.

The couple said “I do” in front of 500 guests, including Edward’s father, who sat next to his wives, Gertrude Khumalo, Nompumelelo Ntuli, Thobeka Madiba, fiancée Bongi Ngema and Edward’s biological mother from Swaziland, Minah Shongwe, sister of Judge Jeremiah Shongwe.

General Bheki Cele and his wife, Thembeka, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, KZN Premier Zweli Mkhize, the ANC’s Sifiso Sonjica and Jackson Mthembu, soccer boss Irvin Khoza and Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma joined them later at the reception. Khulubuse Zuma, Duduzani Zuma, Duduzile Zuma and her husband Lonwabo Sambundla, and Isidingo actress Gugu Zuma were also there.

The villa was elegantly decorated in white, with shades of green. A gazebo and chairs separated the two families in the marquee.

Phumelele Shange arrived in a game-ranger’s vehicle and was met by her mother, Girlie Shange, who walked her down the white-draped aisle. Phumelele wore one of her two Cinderella-like ballgowns designed by local designer Francois Vedemme.

Her stiletto shoes were by Jimmy Choo and imported from London. Her jewellery, designed by exclusive jewellers Mark Gold, included a neckpiece and a bracelet. Her earrings were from Browns Jewellers. As she walked to meet Edward, she was overwhelmed by emotion and tears sprung up in her eyes.

Her three bridesmaids – Fikisiwe Dlamini, Khulubuse Zuma’s fiancée, Sphelele Mbanjwa, a cousin, and Khule Mbatha, a fiancée of one of the Gcaba brothers – wore pink dresses, while her maid of honour, Qhaku Mkhize, wore a green dress. Edward wore a grey suit by Joburg designer Greg Baptist. His groomsmen, long-time friend Delani Mzila, brother Siyabonga Zuma and nephew, Mfundo Zuma, accompanied him.

During the proceedings, Pastor Dludla led the congregation in singing “Happy Birthday” to Archbishop Desmond Tutu in his absence. He quipped, “Sorry you had to celebrate your birthday without your friend, but we celebrate with you,” referring to Tutu’s disappointment at the Dalai Lama cancelling his planned visit after the government delayed granting him a visa. The crowd burst into laughter.

For the reception, guests were welcomed into a huge marquee with drinks and cocktails. The marquee was draped in white and shades of pink. Huge chandeliers and round bouquets hung from the roof. Every table had a bottle of Jameson and Johny Walker Black whiskey, and an Allée Bleue red wine.

Guests were served from a starter platter which included venison carpaccio drizzled with smoked truffle oil, topped with parmesan shavings.

The president spoke fondly of Edward, saying he was very proud of the step he had taken, gave the couple some advice and thanked the guests and the ancestors for the bride. He also acknowledged the presence of his good friend, Zimbabwean ambassador to South Africa Phelekezela Mphoko.

Zuma said, “Edward took his time to get married, but I am glad he did, because deciding to get married is a serious decision that you need to take while you are sober in your mind. When Edward was a young man, I worried a lot about the man he would become, but today he is a fine, respectable man that I am proud of. As a parent, it is indeed a proud moment when your child gets married.”

He advised the couple, “Don’t listen to people – people will always talk – but do listen to those who give good advice. Love yourselves and love each other.”

Zuma said he could write a book about his son, “and even Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who raised him, knows what I am talking about”.

Ukhozi FM’s Linda Sibiya was the master of ceremonies, while the guests danced the night away to DJ Siyanda and DJ Boonu.

During an interview before the wedding, the couple said they had recently bought a house in Virginia in Durban, where they would live together after their wedding.

The traditional wedding ceremony started on Saturday and continued until today. It was attended by President Zuma’s wives, his daughter, the newly married Duduzile Sambudla, and Duduzile’s twin brother, Duduzani, as well as ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu, and Sydney Pandaram. Edward’s cousin, Khulubuse Zuma, arrived in a black BMW 7-series wearing traditional Zulu attire.

As yesterday afternoon wore on, Phumelele presented a bead necklace to President Zuma as a sign of her love and respect, after which he began dancing – much to the delight of the crowds, who ululated in pleasure and praise. - Amanda Khoza

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