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.
Denne historien er fra 17 October 2019-utgaven av Drum English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra 17 October 2019-utgaven av Drum English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest