Love knows no national borders for a South African man and a Zimbabwean woman who tied the knot this weekend, despite the recent outbreaks of xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa.
South African Mandla Kameni and Zimbabwean Regina Nyikadzino were married at St Saviour’s Church in East London on Saturday. And their marriage has been warmly welcomed by family members on both sides of the union.
When Mandla set his sights on Regina, he knew that their relationship had been blessed by God.
“We met last year at our church and our spirits connected,” he said. “She has a warm personality and is not afraid to respectfully raise her opinions. She is open-minded and is also a great advisor.
“Love does not care what countries we come from. It knows no colour or nations. When hearts meet, love grows.”
The groom said although he was concerned about the xenophobic attacks in the country at the moment, he trusted God to protect his wife.
“I know that some people do not like this union, but we are trusting God to bless and protect our marriage and to keep my wife safe,” he added.
Nyikadzino said she arrived in South Africa in 2005 and had been based in East London since then. “I have no words to express my happiness about our marriage.
My husband is a wonderful man,” the blushing bride said. “I am scared of the xenophobic attacks currently happening but I have faith that God will be my shield and protection so I will be safe.”
Kameni added: “We cannot wait to go to church for the first time as Mr and Mrs.”
Nyikadzino’s brother Isaac said he was extremely happy for his little sister. “The celebrations went well and we are all happy that our sister has found a new family,” he said. Nyikadzino said during his sister’s wedding preparations he realised the preparations for Shonas and Xhosas were similar, although different words were used for the customs.
He said he was not afraid to hand his sister over to a South African man during the xenophobic attacks.
“We understand that the attackers do not represent all South Africans. It is criminals that are doing this; perhaps it also speaks to their level of education,” he said.
“It is important for foreign nationals to make themselves part of their local communities. I live in Ducats and I have integrated with my community. I am self-employed and I make sure that I take part in community initiatives like crime fighting,” he added.
Kameni’s sister Tabisa said: “It does not matter that she is from Zimbabwe, as long as she makes our brother happy. We also like the fact that, through their marriage, we now have relatives in another country.” — siyab@dispatch.co.za
Love sees past borders
South African Mandla Kameni and Zimbabwean Regina Nyikadzino were married at St Saviour’s Church in East London on Saturday. And their marriage has been warmly welcomed by family members on both sides of the union.
When Mandla set his sights on Regina, he knew that their relationship had been blessed by God.
“We met last year at our church and our spirits connected,” he said. “She has a warm personality and is not afraid to respectfully raise her opinions. She is open-minded and is also a great advisor.
“Love does not care what countries we come from. It knows no colour or nations. When hearts meet, love grows.”
The groom said although he was concerned about the xenophobic attacks in the country at the moment, he trusted God to protect his wife.
“I know that some people do not like this union, but we are trusting God to bless and protect our marriage and to keep my wife safe,” he added.
Nyikadzino said she arrived in South Africa in 2005 and had been based in East London since then. “I have no words to express my happiness about our marriage.
My husband is a wonderful man,” the blushing bride said. “I am scared of the xenophobic attacks currently happening but I have faith that God will be my shield and protection so I will be safe.”
Kameni added: “We cannot wait to go to church for the first time as Mr and Mrs.”
Nyikadzino’s brother Isaac said he was extremely happy for his little sister. “The celebrations went well and we are all happy that our sister has found a new family,” he said. Nyikadzino said during his sister’s wedding preparations he realised the preparations for Shonas and Xhosas were similar, although different words were used for the customs.
He said he was not afraid to hand his sister over to a South African man during the xenophobic attacks.
“We understand that the attackers do not represent all South Africans. It is criminals that are doing this; perhaps it also speaks to their level of education,” he said.
“It is important for foreign nationals to make themselves part of their local communities. I live in Ducats and I have integrated with my community. I am self-employed and I make sure that I take part in community initiatives like crime fighting,” he added.
Kameni’s sister Tabisa said: “It does not matter that she is from Zimbabwe, as long as she makes our brother happy. We also like the fact that, through their marriage, we now have relatives in another country.” — siyab@dispatch.co.za
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