Power couple from Lekwa spend quality time together
“We are able to distinguish between politics and the positions people hold,” Belinda said.
Managers in the Lekwa Municipality Sipho Mkwanazi and his wife, Belinda Tilly-Mkwanazi, met through work donkey years ago.
They are involved in labour relations and performance management, respectively. Both were, at one stage, shop stewards of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).
Sipho joined the municipality 27 years ago, Belinda a year earlier.
“We are able to distinguish between politics and the positions people hold,” Belinda said.
They have two sons, Vuyo and Samkelo, and two daughters, Thobeka and Simone.
Belinda believes wholeheartedly in family values, and the social club and its members are family to her, too. A highlight for her husband is undoubtedly the club and its activities.
“One has to give back to the community. If your life doesn’t change the lives of others, it’s not worth living,” Sipho said.
Two for Joy is a platform to enrich the lives of school children, and it is on a bigger scale than individual efforts.
The Mkwanazis have travelled to Bali in Indonesia, Singapore, and Mozambique, while the Durban coast was their destination last year.
Both love nature and visited the Waterberg District on their travels. Belinda’s mother is 81 years old and still alive.
“It is such a blessing to have her in my life,” she said.
She added her mother-in-law is also her mother.
“It’s double blessings for the families.”
The interview was done in Belinda’s vehicle outside the Sakhile Stadium, where the couple attended soccer matches.
Belinda kept her maiden surname after marrying Sipho in a white wedding in Vrede in September 2013.
Belinda surely would not forget to make Sipho’s favourite dishes.
“I like anything served with cabbage,” he hinted.
The Mkwanazis’ work is an integral part of their lives, and should something need to be discussed, the other spouse will immediately understand the context.
