Royal union beacon of hope for unity
Hopes ran high that the union of King Madzikane II Thandisizwe Diko and AbaThembu Princess Khusela Diko would strengthen ties between the AmaBhaca and AbaThembu.
Khusela Diko is President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson.
The two-day African royal wedding started on Friday at Qokolweni, Khusela’s home, and moved to the Elundzini Great Place at Ncutheni village in KwaBhaca on Saturday.
Diko spoke in front of hundreds of people, including minister of public works Thulas Nxesi and deputy minister of co-operative governance & traditional affairs, Obed Bapela.
The royals attending included AbaThembu acting king Azenathi Zanelizwe Dalindyebo and AmaMpondo aseNyandeni Queen Tina Madosini Ndamase.
Standing side by side with his wife, Thandisizwe Diko said the Bhaca people were an integral part of building SA.
“We come from a history where certain things were not fixed,” said Diko.
“AbaThembu and AmaBhaca have a history and one way to build a nation is through an exchange of marriages. Whatever was not fixed between us and AbaThembu must end now. These nations must work together again and build our nations,” he said
The two families have three previous marriages.
Diko said: “We will never fail in this journey. We are more motivated and we pray that we can deal with problems of this kingdom and pull through.”
He said they opted for a traditional wedding to remember who they were and highlight the dignity of traditional leadership.
The two met three years ago and have been legally married for two years.
Khusela’s family spokesperson Nkosi Vulisango Phantshwa said the family was confident that Khusela would contribute to the growth of the AmaBhaca nation.
He said she came from a very good background.
“We are giving you quality and not quantity.”
He said Khusela must give birth to princes and princesses to grow the nation.
Diko’s mother, Queen Nosizwe Diko, said: “I have been praying for this day for a long time. Things will change here because of her.”
Khusela’s mother, Nkosikazi Nolwandle Sangoni, said Diko impressed her the day he carried her sickly mother to a car. Khusela is her only daughter.
“I am not losing her, but gaining a royal family. I wish them all the best,” she said.
Deputy labour minister Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa said a royal wife was taken from another royal house to be a mother to the nation.
“It is important that our children , even if we take them to Model C schools, must know they are servants of the nation they will marry to.”
Meanwhile, giving the keynote address, Nxesi said: “Remember to build and strengthen each other and keep companionship alive.”..
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