A look at Buhlebendalo and her wife’s wedding day

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Opens in new windowOpens in new windowEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandSinger Buhlebendalo Mda-Mondi and her partner, creative director Botshelo Mondi-Mda, tie the knot. Picture: Supplied Story audio is generated using AI

Buhlebendalo Mda-Mondi and her partner, Botshelo Mondi-Mda, are celebrating one month of their nuptials.

To mark the occasion, the newlyweds shared images from their wedding day with the caption: “A month ago today, Tlhabane was buzzing, we sealed it. Our love story was heard far and wide through the trumpets. Our families and friends affirmed us. It was a big party. The last two slides pronounce us as ‘Bo Mrs’.”

Their nuptials began with an intimate signing ceremony on September 18, ahead of traditional wedding festivities at their homes on September 26 in Protea Glen, Soweto, and Tlhabane, Rustenburg, on October 3.

Exclusively reflecting on their special day, Botshelo said their elders shared words of wisdom, “Golaya” and their daughters made a speech that was a standout moment for her. For Buhlebendalo, it was when Botshelo’s family gave her a new name.

“Our elders watched us grow in our love. It did not shock them that we wanted a traditional wedding, because we are strong believers of the preservation of Ubuntu bethu. Our belief systems were met with kindness and understanding. Nothing was genderised, everyone involved approached things with an open mindset. Our elders just wanted to be happy,” the couple told TshisaLIVE.

View this post on Instagram ​While marrying on the cusp of Pride Month is significant, the couple said the timing was purely a fortunate moment of alignment.

“To be honest, this was a beautiful coincidence. We think the universe planned this ahead of us. With that being said, queer identity is important to us, as we do not only advocate for gender equality but also for self-actualisation.”

The couple first met in 2009 at the Vaal University of Technology — where Botshelo was studying fine arts and Buhlebendalo was building her career with The Soil — and they remained friends until they started dating in 2019.

The celebrations are a culmination of a promise made six years ago in a private setting surrounded by close friends.

Botshelo first proposed in 2020 while directing the Mdali music video. As they wrapped the last scene, the cast members made small handwritten messages and the last one was to ask for the singer’s hand in marriage.

Buhlebendalo proposed at Botshelo’s birthday dinner later that year.

“The days leading up to our special day were full of emotions. It was also a learning curve for the business side of our union, because we also dabble in events. When we started planning, we told ourselves that this is our biggest project, just to manage our emotions in between.”

Looking ahead, Buhlebendalo and Botshelo say they are looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together.

“The energy is liberating, knowing that you have someone who will always be in your corner. We are excited to grow old together, as friends more than anything, and make lots of money.”

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