News / Africa
Malema ties the knot under tight security
28 Dec 2014 at 20:39hrs | Views
Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has tied the knot with long-time girlfriend Mantwa Matlalaunder heavy security.
The private traditional wedding ceremony in Malema's home town of Seshego, Polokwane, yesterday was policed by more than 20 security guards in black suits and red ties. They ensured that only the 500 or so invited guests entered the big marquee .
Former Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale, EFF chief whip Floyd Shivhambu, EFF chairman Advocate Dali Mpofu and former Muvhango actress Lerato Moloi were among those in attendance.
A 150m stretch of the street in which Matlala lives was blocked off. Only invited guests who produced proof of identity were allowed through.
At the end of the street, a large marquee was erected for the ceremony outside Matlala's home.
The wedding brought Seshego to a standstill as some guests arrived by helicopter, which landed in an open space 600m from the marquee.
Malema, his grandmother and his son, Ratanang, arrived at the venue at about 1pm, driven in a gold Mercedes-Benz sedan, followed by a convoy of luxury vehicles.
Local resident Kgaogelo Thobakgale, who arived early to witness the wedding despite not being on the guest list, said it wasa happy day for the township.
"We are here making a guard of honour by the entrance to show our appreciation. Julius married a local girl and this big wedding is happening right here in Seshego. I'm happy."
Today, the proceedings are set to move to Malema's home, also in Zone One, where an identical marquee has been put up for the guests.
About 200 locals lined the streets near the marquee, but most were disappointed after failing to catch even a glimpse of Malema.
Kwena Thamaga, 37, one of Malema's former Grade 8 classmates at Mohlakaneng High School, said she was disappointed at the heavy security deployed at the ceremony.
Thamaga said Malema should have hosted his wedding at the local stadium so that his supporters could be part of the ceremony.
"I walked for more than an hour from Extension 73 on the other side of Seshego to come here to support him, but I can't even see him. Why's that?" Thamaga said.
As Range Rover SUVs, Mercedes-Benzes and BMWs made their way to the ceremony, residents - some in EFF colours - stood outside hoping to spot Malema.
Thulasizwe Legodi, 44, who has known Malema since he was about 14, said the wedding went against what Malema stood for. "This is the man of the people, but only the who's who get to celebrate his wedding ... there's just too much security here for the man we regard as the champion of the poor," she said.
She hoped things would be done differently at Malema's home today .
"What determines who gets to be in that marquee? Obviously their pockets. Is this really what Malema is really about? ... I don't think so," said Legodi.
The private traditional wedding ceremony in Malema's home town of Seshego, Polokwane, yesterday was policed by more than 20 security guards in black suits and red ties. They ensured that only the 500 or so invited guests entered the big marquee .
Former Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale, EFF chief whip Floyd Shivhambu, EFF chairman Advocate Dali Mpofu and former Muvhango actress Lerato Moloi were among those in attendance.
A 150m stretch of the street in which Matlala lives was blocked off. Only invited guests who produced proof of identity were allowed through.
At the end of the street, a large marquee was erected for the ceremony outside Matlala's home.
The wedding brought Seshego to a standstill as some guests arrived by helicopter, which landed in an open space 600m from the marquee.
Malema, his grandmother and his son, Ratanang, arrived at the venue at about 1pm, driven in a gold Mercedes-Benz sedan, followed by a convoy of luxury vehicles.
Local resident Kgaogelo Thobakgale, who arived early to witness the wedding despite not being on the guest list, said it wasa happy day for the township.
"We are here making a guard of honour by the entrance to show our appreciation. Julius married a local girl and this big wedding is happening right here in Seshego. I'm happy."
About 200 locals lined the streets near the marquee, but most were disappointed after failing to catch even a glimpse of Malema.
Kwena Thamaga, 37, one of Malema's former Grade 8 classmates at Mohlakaneng High School, said she was disappointed at the heavy security deployed at the ceremony.
Thamaga said Malema should have hosted his wedding at the local stadium so that his supporters could be part of the ceremony.
"I walked for more than an hour from Extension 73 on the other side of Seshego to come here to support him, but I can't even see him. Why's that?" Thamaga said.
As Range Rover SUVs, Mercedes-Benzes and BMWs made their way to the ceremony, residents - some in EFF colours - stood outside hoping to spot Malema.
Thulasizwe Legodi, 44, who has known Malema since he was about 14, said the wedding went against what Malema stood for. "This is the man of the people, but only the who's who get to celebrate his wedding ... there's just too much security here for the man we regard as the champion of the poor," she said.
She hoped things would be done differently at Malema's home today .
"What determines who gets to be in that marquee? Obviously their pockets. Is this really what Malema is really about? ... I don't think so," said Legodi.
Source - Times Live
