A Day To Remember

Actress Baby Cele and her husband Thabo celebrate their umembeso – and say ‘I do’ again!

- Zama Nteyi

SHE loves being married to her husband so much she keeps saying “I do”. Two years ago, actress Baby Cele married her husband, Thabo Maloka, in a lavish ceremony.

And now she’s done it again with another traditional ceremony.

“This is a final step to seal our marriage,” she says of their umembeso.

From arriving in an airplane to the glamorous outfits and fancy reception, Baby and Thabo spared no expense to make their day special.

The umembeso kicks off with the Malokas presenting gifts – including blankets, shirts, aprons, plates and cups – to the Celes while Baby patiently waits indoors for her in-laws to come to dress her before introducing her to Thabo’s mother.

She’s overcome with emotion as she kneels in front of her mother-in-law, Anna Maloka, tears of joy welling in her eyes. “Mama, you have raised a good son. He treats me so well and I am happy he is my husband. With this basket full of goodies, I’d like to say thank you for giving me your lastborn to be my husband,” Baby says.

Thabo’s mother hugs her tightly, officially welcoming her to the Maloka family. “I am glad Thabo found a wife in you. His father is no more, and I trust you with him. You are now one of us and you are the last makoti. Build the Maloka family and learn from your sisters-in-law.”

And with that, the two families become one.

The umembeso should have taken place before the traditional wedding, the happy couple tell us during a break from the festivities.

“We already had our traditional wedding at my husband’s home. What we’re doing today is an exchange of gifts,” Baby explains.

“This is a sign of acceptance by the bride’s family.