A big cat for the big question

It was a storybook engagement for a Zinkwazi couple involving grand gestures, champagne and a big cat.
When Elnike Muller left for Dubai for a month in December, her partner Greg McAlindin saw his chance.
“We had already organised a trip away for her birthday weekend so when she left I started looking at rings and getting organised,” said McAlindin.
Things started badly on the morning they were to leave when an opportunistic hand reached through the car window to snatch McAlindin’s GPS and wallet.
Although the valuables were lost to him, he was not about to let it interfere with his grand scheme, in which he was determined to sweep Elnike away with a whirlwind of a weekend.
The couple travelled to Nambiti Hills, a five star private game lodge near Lady-smith, on January 18, where they spent weekend.
“On Saturday morning we went on an early game drive,” said Greg.
Elnike was enjoying the sights and did not suspect a thing.
“On the way back the ranger kept getting calls on the radio, but they were all in code,” she said.
“I first thought something was strange when he drove us straight to our chalet instead of to the gate.”
When the couple got out of the car and caught a glimpse of the chalet’s deck, Elnike froze.
In front of her sat a fully grown cheetah with a white ribbon around its neck, tied to the diamond engagement ring.
“She was so taken with the cheetah, she did not even notice the ring,” said Greg.
“In my defence cheetahs are my favourite animals,” said Elnike.
“I just kept stroking it and eventually he had to say ‘what’s that around it’s neck?,’”
“And she still did not notice it! I tried to untie the bow but by that stage I was so nervous I was shaking. I would not have been able to untie a shoelace, so the ranger stepped in with his big hunting knife to cut it free.”
Needless to say, Elnike said yes, and was treated and spoiled for the rest of the romantic weekend. Greg, certainly the romantic, also arranged to have their room covered in rose petals and lit by candle light.
The couple are to be married on November 22, and are already planning a honeymoon in Dubai.