GUGU MBONAMBI
NATIONAL Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele and his fiancée, Thembeka Ngcobo, are counting down the days to their nuptials, which take place at a South Coast boutique hotel on Saturday.
Cele’s spokeswoman, Nonkululeko Mbatha, said yesterday that the couple were looking forward to October 2. “It’s a Ngcobo and Cele function, with friends and colleagues. It’s a happy day for the couple,” she said.
Mbatha said if the invitations were anything to go by, the wedding would be “a grand affair”.
“The invitation cards were very classy and elegant, but do not give a clue to what the theme or the colour of the day will be,” she added. Mbatha would not say who had designed the groom’s attire, but said he had been frequenting an upmarket boutique in Sandton.
Cele is known for his penchant for fashion and favours fine Italian designer suits, Panama hats and flashy shoes.
Mbatha said that one of Cele’s favourite gospel groups, Ithemba, would provide entertainment at |the wedding. The group are popular in KwaZulu-Natal and have performed at several government events.
A weekly newspaper reported that the couple would say their vows in front of 300 invited guests, who are expected to include President Jacob Zuma, soccer mogul Irvin Khoza, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe and his mining magnate wife, Bridgette, and Durban businessman S’bu Mpisane and his wife, Shauwn.
Andrew Draper, the award-winning chef and owner of Harvey’s Restaurant in Morningside, Durban, who will be responsible for catering at Cele’s wedding, has cooked for celebrities, politicians, British and African royalty. Among those who have enjoyed his culinary expertise are Prince Harry, King Goodwill Zwelithini, Nelson Mandela, Will Smith and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Durban multimillionaire Mabheleni Ntuli, 46, well-known for throwing extravagant parties, is believed to be handling the decorations for the wedding.
The Mercury was unable to reach Cele for comment.