08 Sep 2014

Residents of Sekhutlane in Southern District have embraced the concept of Re a Nyalana, a creation of the people of Kgatleng District that fosters marriage at affordable prices. 

The event which has become a craze among residents of the otherwise quiet village has not only been done once or twice, but is in its third year running and going strong.

It has paved way for people who could not afford the heavy price attached to lobola (bride price) to walk down the aisle. Much tribute should be given to the visionary leadership of Sekhutlane headman of arbitration, Ms Florah Sebakile who took it upon herself to bear the responsibility to sell and spearhead this idea to Sekhutlane populace.

“I first saw this idea on television courtesy of Bakgatla and knew right then that it will be an answer to growing incidents of cohabitation in our area and our people have welcomed it,” she said in an interview outside one of the classrooms that was used as a marriage hall to register couples that tied the knot on Thursday September 4.

A total of nine couples wedded; the oldest being 83-year-old Bontle Mothibedi who said “I do” to Ms Galoakelwe Mokgadi, his 61-year-old partner of many years and mother of his eight children.

The ecstatic Octogenarian said he has finally found peace and fulfilled the will of God.

The youngest couple on the day, Mr Moipei Kebontse, 36 exchanged marriage vows with his 33 year-old Fiancée and mother of three; Ms Bampaletse Molelowakgotla. 

Ms Sebakile who watched the whole procession with contentment said 13 and seven couples married in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

“I am worried by children who bear their mothers surnames while their fathers are still alive and cohabiting with their partners. 

“Particularly disturbing are instances where children get denied their rightful inheritance in the event one of the parents passes on,” she said adding that residents of Sekhutlane have truly warmed up to the idea.

To be eligible for such group marriages, Ms Sebakile says a couple has to pop up P600 that will go towards purchase of food and beverages that will entertain merrymakers that attend the celebrations at the main kgotla as is the norm.

She was especially happy that the District Commissioners’ office in Goodhope has agreed to bring along officers to come to Sekhutlane every time there are such marriages to help with the paper work, and ensure that couples are issued with matrimonial certificate right away.

Ms Sebakile is encouraged by this arrangement which she declares help curb costs that couples would otherwise have to accrue by hiring vehicles to transport them and families to Goodhope to wed.

Goodhope Sub district deputy district commissioner, Mr Moagi Kenosi who presided over the nine marriages admitted that throughout his career, it was his first time to conduct and direct marriages involving people as old as 80.

“It is a rare feat and indeed a blessing to preside over marriages such as this one and this should be an encouragement to others this old that age is not a factor here,” he said and pledged that as part of government initiative of taking services to the people, his office has resolved to avail itself whenever the people of Sekhutlane have such significant activities.

That withstanding, Mr Moagi encouraged the newlyweds to be committed to each so that they may come out strong against tough times that lie ahead. 

Kgosi Andrew Rampagane expressed gratitude that his subjects have been sold out to the idea of group marriages; something he attributed to the unity that prevails in his village.

“It gives me great pleasure that we are witnessing marriages of people who have been together for years and remain hopeful that they will grow even strong in their union.”

Giving out a word of encouragement, Mr Oduetse KibitwIe, a village elder, reverberated other speakers’ words saying couples should support and respect each other all the time.

He was hopeful the feat will stir more couples to jump on the marriage band wagon. ENDS