Nompumelelo Magwaza
As KwaZulu-Natal businesswoman Zanele Mbokazi counts down the hours to her wedding tomorrow, she says the excitement of the “royal” event has finally caught up with her.
The socialite was engrossed in a check-list of final details to be handled before she marries a Swaziland bishop of the Word of Hope Ministries, Mpendulo Nkambule.
The couple will be reading their vows to each other in front of 600 high-society guests and local celebrities at Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg.
Mbokazi, the author of three books and founder of the annual Gospel Crown Awards, said: “I am very excited and a bit nervous. I have had my hair done but not styled for the big day. I never thought I would be this nervous about my wedding, but I guess every bride feels this way. I am more nervous about the cross-culture and moving to another church.”
The couple have chosen “the beginning of forever” as their motto for the union, which is inscribed on their invitation which comes with a “here comes the bride” jingle.
The ceremony is expected to be attended by one of the South African first ladies, Nompumelelo MaNtuli-Zuma, King Mswati III’s first wife Inkosikhati Lambikazi, the mayor of eThekwini James Nxumalo and retired KwaZulu-Natal judge president Vuka Shabalala.
The bride, who has just lost 5kg to look her best in her wedding gown, said she had bought it overseas. Her dress for the reception party was designed by Joburg designer Hans de Vos.