Durban North couple sheds light on 60 bright years

SIXTY years ago, James and Rhoda Prosser said ‘I do’ in one of the most spontaneous ways.

The year was 1963, and the couple, after being engaged for seven months, decided it was time to get married. Their story goes like this.

“I took Rhoda to a staff party with me. I was an apprentice engineer at South African Railways and Harbours at the time. One of my colleagues asked when we were getting married, and I responded with ‘tomorrow’,” said James.

Just like that, the following day, he and Rhoda went shopping for rings which they purchased at Natal Wholesale Jewellers for R4.95 and went off to the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court where they became husband and wife.

Also read: Support Durban North NPO and be part of the domino effect

Rhoda’s mom did not approve of their marriage but came around eventually. Her dad, on the other hand, was happy for them and James’ parents welcomed the married couple instantly upon hearing their good news.

“My brother was turning 21 the next day, and there was a cake in the fridge ready for the celebration, but my mom decided that it would now become our wedding cake,” said James.

James’ mom immediately called the Oyster Box and booked the newlyweds in for one night. The dinner, dance, accommodation, coffee and a daily newspaper cost a total of R7.34. Rhoda, being the artist that she is, has all of these memories scrapbooked.

Speaking about how they met and chuckling, the couple said they met five years prior at a dinner and dance. James’ date was actually Rhoda’s friend, and vice versa, ie, Rhoda’s date was James’ friend.

“A few months later, I called James and asked him to guess who it was. He must have named about 15 women when I eventually gave up the game and told him it was me. He then visited me, and we started dating,” she said with a laugh.

At the time, Rhoda was in commercial art and worked for a company called API, which is now Nampak.

“We got married on October 26, and the next day, James had to return to work on the ships. I also returned to work, and when I told my colleagues, they threw a small celebration for me,” said Rhoda.

The Prossers have three children – Debbie Buck, Robert and Eddie – and five grandchildren together, all who live abroad.

For their 50th wedding anniversary, because they didn’t have a traditional wedding, Robert and Eddie surprised them with a vow-renewal ceremony in Australia.

“Being married for sixty years is such an achievement, and we have had so many great memories. It’s about being a team and working together,” said Rhoda.

The couple said they will return to the Oyster Box for high tea for their 60th wedding anniversary celebrations.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or  Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel.