The super-rich mixed with the poor as President Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile, concluded her nuptials with a traditional ceremony at Fairfield Trust Farm in Mthatha, the village of her groom, on Sunday.
Duduzile and Lonwabo Sambudla then wrapped up their wedding proceedings with a mini-music festival at Walter Sisulu University.
Three decorated marquees were erected at the village’s entrance to host guests.
By 10am, everyone had dressed in their best Xhosa traditional attire and began marching to the Sambudla homestead for the festivities.
Duduzile, dressed in the white wedding gown she had worn for the Christian ceremony on Saturday, was welcomed by a group of elderly women and young people, who sang Xhosa wedding songs. She was accompanied by Zulu singers, who competed with the Xhosa singers.
Duduzile was taken to a rondavel newly built for the couple, where she was given advice by elders from both families. She disappeared from view for a while and reappeared clad in red Xhosa attire and with her face decorated with Xhosa prints.
The couple were ushered to a corner of the homestead, where Duduzile pushed a knife through a slaughtered cow’s stomach and pushed a coin into the wound as part of a traditional ceremony. Ululation followed, with elderly women waving cloths and others singing wedding songs.
The couple and their families then sat on opposite sides of a large circle close to the marquees, where elders from both sides announced that the nuptials were concluded and that they had new relatives.
A local poet, Sincedile Mngomeli, thrilled guests when he appeared from among the crowd, singing praises.
Later, the president surprised guests with a rendition of Zulu dances and songs, before the parties moved into the marquees for a late lunch.
Inside the marquee set aside for the VIPs and the two families, the tables were decorated in yellow linen. Although traditional food like samp and corn bread dominated the menu, delicacies like Prince of Wales fish served with tartare sauce, beef stroganoff and Cornish casserole were also on offer.
The umabo ceremony, where the bride’s family gives gifts of blankets, pillows and grass mats to the groom’s family, then took place in private.
The arrival of the president and his wives earlier in the morning had triggered a rush to take pictures of the group. Although security was tight, with helicopters and soldiers patrolling, locals found themselves rubbing shoulders with the president and his family.
These included Duduzile’s brothers and other relatives, including Zuma’s nephew, Khulubuse Zuma, who co-ordinated the ceremony. KZN Premier Zweli Mkhize, who was accompanied by his wife, May, Lindiwe Sisulu and Mandla Mandela were among the politicians present.
When the traditional ceremonies were over, locals prepared for the music festival, organised by millionaire Kenny Kunene. - The Mercury
*For more photos, go to www.facebook.com/ themercurysa