5000 guests at wedding of prince

Loyiso Mpalantshane and Lulamile Feni

THE glittering two-day wedding of AmaMpondo Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase and his East London-born sweetheart, TV personality Nathi Sandisiwe Buzani, saw high-profile figures from the Zulu, Ndebele and Swaziland royal houses, government ministers, socialites and traditional leaders gather at Nyandeni Great Place near Libode at the weekend.

On Saturday it was a white wedding and yesterday a traditional one when the bride plunged a traditional spear into the ground in the yard of the groom's home in Ngqubusini near Ngqeleni where he is a traditional leader. This is a sign she has been accepted as a Ndamase.

The celebrations for both weddings was held at Nyandeni Great Place near Libode. The couple, who had earlier arrived in a fleet of luxury vehicles, were dressed to thrill and exchanged their nuptials inside a large thatched traditional hut on Saturday.

There was lots of ululation, singing and traditional dancing after Bishops Mvume Dandala and Don Dabula gave the couple the right to kiss each other in front of everyone after saying "I do".

The bride wore a bright smile, diamond earrings and a Swarovski-beaded dress. The groom wore a navy velvet jacket and matching pointed shoes.

The mood was romantic and electrifying as about 5000 guests danced to the music of songbird Zahara, the Jaziel Brothers, violinist Siseko Phame and local singers inside a large white marquee at the Ndamase homestead on Saturday.

Seven cattle and 30 sheep were slaughtered for the feast.

High-profile figures who attended the wedding included IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, UDM leader General Bantu Holomisa and Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula.

After the speeches and toasts a convoy of more than 100 luxury vehicles made its way to Enkululekweni in Mthatha where the after-party was held.