Their marriage is rock solid and going even stronger. Deputy Minister in the Presidency for State Security Zizi Kodwa and his wife Zama recently celebrated their 12-year union in her hometown of Richards Bay in KwaZulu Natal. The couple brought family and close friends to pay witness as they did 12 years ago to their unconditional love and commitment.

CELEBRATING LOVE

 Speaking to ZiMoja, Zizi says the day was all about celebrating love. "The theme was all about celebrating love and thanking God for a solid marriage,' he says. "Looking at the country and the world, we are a nation going through a lot. Some people are depressed and we forget to celebrate love and what we have,' Zizi says. "If you also look at the state of marriage in the country, a day is a long time to spend in a marriage, 12 years is a milestone and we needed to celebrate.' 

THE CELEBRATIONS

 The couple welcomed guests in their first outfits blue outfits before changing into Maxhosa Africa outfits. "Sibethe enye into ongazange wayibona. We were dressed in All-blue, then we decided to support our very own, Maxhosa brand, a young entrepreneur coming from the dusty streets of Port Elizabeth. He has raised and flown the South African brand internationally and we showed our support.' Zizi says renewing their vows was a joyous moment for him and his wife. "As men, we are often selfish about hosting wedding celebrations in our hometown. My wife and I decided to go to her home, where she was born, at Esikhawini, Richards Bay. Not at a community hall but in an open field near her home.'

LOVE AND PATIENCE

Zizi says the love and respect he receives from his wife has motivated him to always win. "She is unique in many ways. My wife and I give each other mutual respect and understanding,' he says. "We share common family values. She comes from a very strong family background. She has got a lot of support and that is led by respect.' Zizi adds that Zama understands that his "first wife is the ANC,' he jokes. "She understands that work takes me away from home for days and she is patient and always understands. Sometimes, I imagine how she feels that I don't have time. But I don't doubt that over time she has learned to appreciate me and my support, which she gets in return.' Zizi goes on to say that renewing his vows feels like he is getting married for the first time. "I was saying 'I do' again to the same person. It renewed our love.'

DOING IT FOR THE FIRST TIME

Zizi and Zama got married for the first time in a dreamy botanical wedding attended by the who's who of the entertainment industry and his political affiliates. Held at Durban Botanical gardens. Zama and Zizi met during a business trip in Johannesburg and immediately locked eyes. They got married in December 2011.