It was the traditional wedding of a lifetime. Zulu regalia, music, great food, and home-brewed traditional mqombothi were abundant in their hometown of Thongaati in KwaZulu-Natal. Former Uzalo actress, businesswoman, and singer Thandeka Zulu (30) recently married her business partner, band member of Afrosoul, and man of 10 years Sabelo Ngema.?

THE BIG WEDDING?

The big day was attended by celebrities Khathi, Dladla Mshunqisi, DJ Happygal, DJSox, Phindile Gwala, and Dudu Khoza. "Wow! I am overwhelmed with the amount of support we record from my community and friends and family who attended the big day' Thandeka tells ZiMoja. The parents of a four-year-old boy started dating when Thandeka was 20 years old and took their time before deciding to get married. Sabelo, the son of the veteran playwright, Mbongeni Ngema paid lobola for her in 2016. "By the time we got married, I was already a wife in a way,' she says. "We were just not in a hurry to do the wedding. We come from humble beginnings, our mons both not working, and we needed to achieve certain goals before getting married,' she says. "So, we made sure we take care of our families first, buy a house, get our businesses off the ground, and last year I bought a car. So, we felt this was the right time,' she adds.

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JOY AFTER GRIEF?

Last year, Thandeka and Sabelo (41) lost their band member Sergeant Malishe who fell ill and died. "Last year we lost our brother due to health complications caused by obesity. It has not been easy, but we have tied to continue his legacy,' she says. "I met Sergeant when I was 18 and still a dancer from high school. He has been part of the family. We were friends more than colleagues. We spent the holiday season together. So, we need to continue the legacy.' In July, they hosted a tombstone unveiling for Sergeant. 

Sabelo and Thandeka also run their own acting school, Ikabawo Performing Arts Academy in Durban. "We are finally accredited. Umbekezelo (patience) has made everything work. We are in an unpredictable industry, and we don't like to put pressure on ourselves to live a certain lifestyle. We are simple people, and we do what we afford.' Thandeka is currently working on theatre productions and their music. "I'm taking a short break from acting to focus on music.