There is nothing South Africans enjoy more than a good party, and this recently proved true for two local families when long-time couple Mellord Mgiba and Universe Matsane tied the knot in a traditional wedding in Marongwane Village.

The two, who had been together for 23 years, decided to celebrate it with a traditional wedding and recommit to each other. During the exchange of vows, Matsane said the universe (a play on his name) conspired to give him his wife, because they were born for each other.

Describing his wife as the bone of his bones, by being prepared to spend the rest of his life with her, he also seized the opportunity to thank her for giving him two beautiful children and making his house a warm home, saying he will forever be grateful for that.

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He also promised that he would continue to love, respect and cherish her. Mellord said she will always submit to her husband, because for the past decades he had showered her with love and care, and that her new ring is resealing their love. She promised to continue to love him, take good care of him and make sure they always have a happy home.

The new Mrs Matsane also thanked Universe for choosing her from among all the girls in his village and making her his wife, echoing his sentiment that they were born for each other as they pray together and support each other in everything they do.

The happy pair shared their journey thus far, proving that this was indeed a match made in heaven. According to the newlyweds, they met in high school in 1999.

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It started as a fling, but their love grew despite their families’ disapproval of the relationship. However, nothing could separate them, and when they had their first child, their families had no choice but to accept their love. Despite the hot weather, family and friends came in large numbers to celebrate with the Mgiba and Matsane families. Afterwards, the guests were treated to various traditional foods and drinks