By: Mashudu Magadu
After two years, well-known traditional healer and TV show star Gogo Maweni, who officially tied the knot at Home Affairs, has now had her traditional wedding.
Gogo Maweni, featured on the Izangoma Zodumo reality TV show on Mzansi Magic, married her partner of seven years, Sabelo Mgube, in a traditional ceremony.
Their wedding took place at Mgube’s homestead in Maqongqo, outside Pietermaritzburg in the KZN Midlands, on Sunday, August 25, 2024. Sabelo’s family are Shembe Church believers, the ceremony followed Shembe Church customs. Gogo Maweni wore a Shembe Church bridal outfit and danced in the traditional Shembe style. The ceremony included singing, Shembe Church horns, and drumming.
“I felt overwhelmed. I won’t lie—I was scared. People don’t know that I’m a shy person, and today, all eyes were on me. I was doing something unfamiliar, but I loved being part of it. I’m very happy because we’re just making it official. We got married a long time ago, and those who thought they could interfere with this relationship failed,” she said.
“It feels like I’m now based in KZN, and I even have livestock here. I come to KZN at least twice a month, maybe for one or two weeks at a time,” she added.
According to Zulu tradition, the headmen questioned Gogo Maweni about her love for Sabelo. She danced for a few minutes and then presented a small traditional mat (called isicephu) to the headmen as a symbol of her love for Sabelo. The izangoma were also present, witnessing one of their own getting married.
Gogo Maweni said she now spends a lot of time in KZN and will continue to do so after her traditional wedding.
