South African Deputy President Paul Shipokosa Mashatile has been a busy man since December last year. After being elected deputy president of the ANC in Nasrec, he capped his victory by marrying Humile Mjongile last month in two traditional ceremonies. First at her home in Leondale, South of Johannesburg, followed by the second leg held in Kelvin, Sandton where Mashatile resides. Last week Wednesday, the couple sealed the union by signing at Home Affairs as official husband and wife.

?LAVISH THIRD WEDDING 

The couple held a third traditional wedding ceremony over the weekend in N'Wamitwa, Tzaneen, a village in Limpopo at the home of Mashatile's adoptive mother, Chief Tinyiko N'wamitwa-II to welcome and name the new bride. The ceremony known as Ku Ambexa in XiTsonga was held at the Valoyi Royal Khalanga Lodge and attended by traditional leaders and political figures. The second Lady of the country was given a new family name, Tinyiko, after her new mother-in-law Hosi N'Wamitwa-II. The bride showered family members with gifts. Much to the excitement of those who attended the ceremony, the community, close friends, and a few Jozi elite witnessed Mr. and Mrs. Mashatile dancing to Tsonga traditional wedding songs while some in the crowd ululated. ?

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A HAPPY FAMILY?

A source who was part of the wedding proceeding jokingly shares how Mashatile battled with the dance moves. "Paul couldn't do the right step. He's a shy guy. But his wife was happy, and her in-laws have warmed up to their new bride." Humile wore her traditional Tsonga attire with pride and danced on the street next to her husband. She was happy." Princess Tsakani Nkambule, Chief Nwamitwa's daughter confirmed that the family was receiving umakoti over the weekend. "Remember the Deputy President is Tsonga, and my mother has adopted him. So, we were receiving umakoti over the weekend. They arrived on Friday and left on Sunday after the celebration,' Princess Nkambule says.

SECOND TIME LUCKY FOR THE COUPLE  

This is the couple's second marriage. Mashatile was married to Manzi Ellen Mashatile, who died in July 2020 from Covid-19 related complications. Humile also lost her husband Songezo Mjongile in September 2020 after a battle with colon cancer. It is not known yet if Humile will continue working on the cancer foundation she launched in 2020 to raise awareness about colon cancer in honour of her late husband. She is going to accompany Mashatile in government and official engagements that the Deputy President will be involved in at home and abroad.