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Schoolboy “marries” 61-year-old woman in S. Africa

An African schoolboy participated in a ceremonial wedding with a 61-year-old woman, British media reported.

A wedding ceremony between eight-year-old Sanele and Helen Shabangu was held recently in Tshwane, South Africa, according to Mirror reports.

The newlyweds exchanged rings and kissed in front of 100 guests.

The boy’s mother 46-year-old Patience Masilela, said the marriage was to fulfill the dying wish of Sanele’s grandfather.

“Sanele is named after his grandfather, who was never had a white wedding before he died so asked Sanele to get married. He chose Helen because he loves her,” she was quoted as saying.

Masilela said bad events would have taken place within the family without the wedding, explaining that the ceremony made their ancestors happy.

Sanele and Shabangu did not sign a marriage certificate as the marriage is merely ceremonial. The bride is already married and has five children.

Shabangu said that she is glad to take part in the ritual because this is what Sanele’s ancestors wanted. Shabangu’s husband of 30 years also said he does not have problem with the ceremony.

Sanele had said he is happy that he married Shabangu but wishes to have a proper marriage to a woman his own age when he is older.



From news reports
(khnews@heraldcorp.com)