Mashatile’s new ‘makoti’ introduced to ‘mother’
The deputy president of South Africa, Paul Mashatile, and his new bride, Humile, held their third wedding ceremony at the Royal Khalanga Lodge in N’wamitwa outside Tzaneen recently.
The pair were married last month in two traditional ceremonies at the bride’s home and the groom’s home in Johannesburg. However, Mashatile decided to introduce his wife to his adopted mother, Hosi Tinyiko N’wamitwa. Princess Tsakani Nkambule, the daughter of Chief N’wamitwa told the Herald that Mashatile felt the need to officially take his makoti to her majesty, as she has played a mother role in his life after they met in parliament years ago.
Mashatile lost both his mother and first wife, Ellen in 2020, a week apart. The groom, his bride, the Bogatsu family, the Mashatile family and the couple’s children, arrived at the palace on Friday, April 14. The day of their arrival was strictly a family ceremony with the three families conducting formal introductions. The second day was a colourful and multicultural event attended by 40 traditional leaders including Hosi Ngove and Chief Tshivhase, politicians such as Pule Mabe, and artists such as Penny Penny.
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Guests were entertained with traditional dances such as the xibelani dance, xigubu, and tshikona from the Royal Tshivhase House and tshikhaba from the Royal Modjadji House. Xitsonga artist, Benny Mayengani also serenaded the couple. The bride was dressed in her husband’s xitsonga traditional attire, a red xibelana skirt, white top, doek, and traditional hat.
Her Majesty expressed her excitement for the deputy president bringing his makoti home. The chief also gave Humile her name ‘Tinyiko’ meaning gifts in Xitsonga. Reports state that their white wedding will take place in Cape Town later this year. Princess Tsakani concluded the event by wishing the newlyweds a long and happy marriage.
