Witpoortjie couple’s dream comes true after they win Maratong wedding competition

With a little belief and a sprinkling of luck, fairytale dreams really can come true.

The love affair of Lesedi Nkwe and Zanele Mahlulo began in the Spring of 2018 at the Westgate Post Office. A determined Lesedi wooed his would-be princess and after he wore down Zanele, the thought of marriage would evolve. In July last year, the couple entered season two of Maratong Weddings’ Win-A-Wedding competition and on March 5, the big announcement was made.

Going into the final weeks of the SMS-voting competition, Lesedi and Zanele were trailing in third place.

“We were very emotional in the last two weeks because we felt that we weren’t going to make it. With God’s grace, two good Samaritans showered us with a total of R21 000 that amounted to over 11 000 votes,” said Zanele.

This life-changing donation happened the night before the closing date, propelling the couple to the winners seat at the crucial moment.

“It was nerve-wracking, I was in tears every day,” said Zanele, speaking about the emotional last weeks of the competition. The couple will now get a dream wedding that includes the venue, wedding gown, suit, rings, hair, make-up, flowers, cake, a videographer and all the bells and whistles in between. Hoping for a date in late September, the couple will also be having a traditional wedding in the North West province, at their own expense.

Gathering votes from predominantly family and friends, they have a special gratitude toward the people of Roodepoort.

Together, Lesedi and Zanele beamed, “We would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us emotionally, sharing our campaign pictures and via voting. It meant a lot and you have helped us make our dreams come true.”