The parents of 16-year-old boy and girl who are getting married – have given their blessings and also revealed their pleasure at the young couple’s union.
The Grade 9 pupil identified as Siyacela Dlamuka from Ulundi town in South Africa and grade 8 pupil, Thando Mathebula, got engaged at Corinthians Christian Church in SA on Sunday.
Siyacela’s dad, Mthandeni Dlamuka (58), said he saw no need to deny the children his blessing.
“Children get into relationships and end up having unplanned kids. “I am happy that we as parents allowed them to come out into the open with their intentions,” said Mthandeni.
He said Siyacela told him he first saw Thando during a church service two years ago.
“At the beginning of this year, he told me would like to marry Thando. “At first I dismissed it but after giving the idea some thought, I called the two of them. “They admitted they were seeing each other, so I decided they must make things official.”
Siyacela said: “I am excited our parents gave us their blessing.”
Thando’s mum, Sthembile Msomi said: “We are going to support them since their relationship is now official.”
Culture expert Professor Jabulani Maphalala said: “No matter how much they sugar-coat it, they have done things the wrong way. “In Zulu culture, the first step is the payment of lobola. Their ancestors must be turning in their graves.”
