Durban - Things are hectic at President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla home as the family adds the finishing touches to preparations for the traditional wedding of his businessman nephew, Khulubuse Zuma, to his Swaziland princess, Fikisiwe Dlamini.
About 5 000 guests, including locals, MPs and cabinet ministers, are expected to attend the open-invitation ceremony. Zuma will also be present. Although the wedding will take place at Khulubuse’s luxurious home, Zuma’s neighbouring home will also be used.
The bride is a businesswoman and the daughter of Swaziland’s King Mswati III’s late brother, Prince Phiwokwakhe Dlamini.
Family spokeswoman Siziwe Khumalo said the preparations included slaughtering “lots of cattle and lots of cooking”.
“People will eat anytime they feel hungry,” she said.
She said that a number of large marquees had been erected inside Khulubuse’s property for the guests.
The event will take place on Saturday and on Sunday.
On the actual wedding day, on Saturday, Khulubuse, who would be dressed in ibheshu (the Zulu outfit for men) would sprinkle a drop of goat’s bile over the bride’s head. This is a symbol of welcoming her into the Zuma family.
She said Dlamini, who would be dressed in Swazi attire, would, in return, hand a spear to Khulubuse which was a sign that she accepted him as her husband. “The bride would later change her Swazi regalia into Zulu attire as a symbol that she had become a member of the Zulu nation,” she said.
Khumalo said Sunday would be the day of umabo, where the Zuma and Dlamini families exchanged gifts.
Khumalo declined to say which VIPs would be attending.
“Everyone is allowed to attend without invitation or confirmation, and ministers and MPs will be there. There will also be live music by top artists,” she said.
The Mercury