‘Nothing to lose’ entry grabs top prize

AN excited Central man was overcome with emotion when he and his wife were announced the winners of The Herald Bride and Groom 2015 competition at The Beach Hotel on Port Elizabeth’s beachfront last night.

The couple walked away with prizes worth more than R74 000.

More than 300 entries were submitted, and only 12 couples made it through to the final round of judging.

Zukile, 32, and Andisiwe Koba, 27, could not believe their ears when they were announced the winners.

The couple were married on October 10 at Zukile’s family home in Motherwell.

Initially stunned into silence, Andisiwe first said she would leave the acceptance speech to her husband – but then the excitement got the better of her and the words just bubbled out.

“We’ve had so many struggles, complaining about the little things we go through, but tonight proves that God always has a plan for you and will always see you through,” the ecstatic mother-ofone said.

Andisiwe, who works for Spar Eastern Cape, entered the competition on February 2. “I had nothing to lose,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to the Viva gym prize, because I’d already sacrificed by not renewing my cellphone contract and reducing my DStv package to join Viva.

“I got the paper from my boss and came across the announcement for the competition and, because I already had a picture on my phone, decided to enter – and look where we are now.”

Cold chain assessor Zukile said winning the competition was a dream come true and he was looking forward to going on the MSC cruise the most.

“I work at the harbour and sometimes I see these big ships coming and going, and I always wanted to be on one and go to some faraway destination,” he said. “Now it’s my turn and I can’t wait.” Their prizes include an MSC cruise to Mozambique, jewellery from Francarlo Designer Goldsmith, Defy appliances, hairstyling and products from Ultimate Stylists, flowers from Floral Creations, a private dinner at The Beach Hotel, a one-night luxury stay at Thunzi Bush Lodge, a voucher from La Creuset, prizes from Teletek that include a creative kit worth R8 000, a six-month gym membership for two from Viva Gym, and a 12-month subscription to The Herald.

The finalists all received prizes from Ultimate Stylists, Floral Creations and The Herald.

One reader who predicted the Koba couple would take the title wins a prize.

• See La Femme next week for the winner of the Reader’s Choice competition and more.