Durban - Debonair Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said “I do” to Nomachule Mngoma in front of South Africa’s crème de la crème on Saturday.
The who’s who of the South African political, entertainment and business elite descended on Durban to witness Gigaba’s special day.
The wedding took place amid tight security, with the 560 guests walking through security checkpoints before entering the venue.
Cabinet ministers including Jeff Radebe, Nathi Mthethwa, Susan Shabangu, Naledi Pandor, Aaron Motsoaledi and the ANC’s Zizi Kodwa and his wife, Zama, were among the invited guests.
Bheki Cele and his wife, Thembeka, ANC Treasurer Zweli Mkhize, KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu, and Durban tycoon Vivian Reddy and his wife, Sorisha, were also there.
Businesswoman Basetsana Kumalo and her husband, Romeo Kumalo, also attended.
The private garden ceremony took place at the picturesque Durban Botanic Gardens and, despite the predicted cold weather, there were sunny skies.
The minister also celebrated his 43rd birthday on Saturday.
This is Gigaba’s second marriage. He was previously married to Nokuthaba Nxumalo, and started divorce proceedings against her in 2010. The divorce was finalised last month.
Gigaba met the South Coast beauty, who is an IT executive at one of South Africa’s top IT companies, in 2009.
The couple met in a Joburg restaurant and they have two sons together – Nkanyezi, 3, and 19-month-old Mvelo, who was born last Christmas.
The wedding began an hour late, but it was worth the wait.
A glowing Mngoma, 33, arrived in a white Bentley with a customised number plate reading: “The Bride”.
She stepped out of the car with top South African fashion designer David Tlale waiting for her.
Her uncle, Bee Mngoma, held her hand as she walked towards the marquee filled with 560 guests. Her father passed away last year.
Mngoma looked breathtakingly beautiful in a white tube-design dress.
Tlale said the elegant gown was made of French Chantilly lace.
Tucked underneath were a pair of Jimmy Choo heels.
Tlale held the 6m train as Mngoma entered the marquee.
Gigaba wore a tailor-made suit designed by Congolese fashion designer Patrick Lusala of La.Rue Boutique, based in Sandton.
The suit had a black jacket paired with grey pants and a gold waistcoat.
Mngoma walked down the aisle to Gerald Levert’s Wind Beneath My Wings.
Officiating at the short ceremony was Bishop Deeno Gabriel.
Mngoma was accompanied by bridesmaids Mashadi Khutoane, Selimathunzi television presenter Zizo Beda, and Top Billing’s Lorna Maseko-Lukhele, and her maid of honour, Mpumi Mophatlane, who all wore peach dresses, each of them designed by Tlale.
Gigaba’s entourage also looked dapper in grey suits.
Sunday Tribune