‘In sickness and in health’ – married at Midlands Medical Centre

Thamsanqa (47) and Lungelo (37) Ndabezitha said “I do” from a hospital bed at Midlands Medical Centre on Saturday where Thamsanqa was admitted to ICU.

After having to postpone their wedding by a year due to Covid-19, the couple was not letting anything else get in the way of their big day – not even the bridegroom being hospitalised on the brink of their wedding celebration last Wednesday.

Lungelo said after speaking with Thamsanqa on Tuesday, she knew her soon-to-be husband was not okay, and suggested he see a doctor. Although the doctor’s visit resulted in Thamsanqa being hospitalised, the couple continued to prepare for their wedding as planned, hoping he would be discharged before the big day. However, things didn’t work out as planned and the only option was to proceed with the wedding in a different venue: the hospital ward.

The couple’s family assisted in making their special day a success. The priest arranged the bridal party to come to witness with a few of their relatives waiting outside. The wedding took place in the ICU green zone and all Covid-19 protocols were observed.

Following the wedding ceremony, the bride continued with other wedding activities that were planned while Thamsanqa remained in hospital.

For the newlyweds, the experience was indescribable. “It was the most difficult decision we had to make within a very short space of time, but at the same time, we were grateful that Thamsanqa is alive,” said the bride. They have a celebration and photoshoot planned when Thamsanqa has recovered.

The couple was delighted that the hospital agreed for their union to take place in the facility, as well as for the reception they received from the staff on duty on the day. They conveyed their gratitude to Midlands Medical Centre Hospital for accommodating them.

The couple met six years ago in Pietermaritzburg. Lungelo recalled she was trying to make a trip to Durban but was stranded. Thamsanqa offered to drive her to her destination but she refused. He then asked for her number but she also refused to give him that. However, Lungelo eventually gave him her number as he was “sincere, gentle, and persistent”.

The couple planned to marry last year but due to the outbreak of Covid-19, they had to postpone the wedding to Saturday, May 22. They chose the date as it is also the bride’s birthday.