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Langalakhe Mabena/Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporters
PATRONS at Stunts were treated to a rare spectacle a few weeks ago when Nyararai Shakemore Sithole and Getrute Ndlovu chose the popular joint — affectionately known as the city’s official shebeen — as the venue for their wedding reception.
Known for its nostalgic playlist and township-inspired ambience, Stunts offers revellers a taste of the traditional shebeen experience within the confines of the law. But on this particular Friday afternoon, the familiar watering hole in the Central Business District of Bulawayo transformed into a haven of festive matrimony as a troop of wedding guests laid siege to it to celebrate the union of Nyararai and Ndlovu.
Instead of caps, t-shirts and trainers, the attire that dominates at Stunts on any given Friday, the dress code suddenly shifted, as flowing dresses and well-tailored suits suddenly became the order of the day.
While the sudden appearance of men and women was a shock, the pure joy in the faces of Nyararai and Getrute made a few hearts flutter among the more romantic patrons within the city’s vaunted “shebeen”.
Unknown to them, of course, was that this was the culmination of a story that had begun in the dusty streets of Makokoba, the city’s oldest suburb. It was a beautiful love story that started blossoming in 2023 when the pair, both with pasts filled with challenges and resilience, found solace in each other’s arms and became a beacon of hope for those seeking love.
Prior to their romance, Nyararai and Getrute carried the weight of previous relationships. Nyararai was navigating life after a difficult divorce, while Getrute had also experienced the complexities of being traditionally married.
It was at a stokvel, a money and grocery club, where community and camaraderie thrive, that the two first crossed paths.
This common interest soon ignited a fascination that would evolve into a deep and abiding affection. As they spent time together, Nyararai and Getrute discovered shared passions that pulled them closer.
They bonded over their love for shebeen culture, enjoying the rhythm of life that is often accompanied by the sounds of South African music legends like Splash, Soul Brothers, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Matchikos. Their shared experiences and mutual interests created a strong foundation for a relationship that felt like destiny.
“We realised there were a lot of common things between us, and this led us to the decision of trying to date, and later on tying the knot,” said the bride, Getrude, in a side interview on their wedding’s celebrations.
With their hearts aligned, the couple took the significant step of formalising their union. The first week of February, a month synonymous with love, became the backdrop for their wedding. They signed their papers in a small court ceremony, a moment celebrated not just as a legal obligation but as a heartfelt promise to one another.
The couple chose Stunts, the city’s shebeen, for their celebration. As regular customers, they felt this venue reflected their lifestyle and spirit.
The atmosphere at Stunts was electric as friends, family, and fellow patrons joined in the celebration. DJs spun soulful tracks from beloved artistes like Platform One and Brenda Fassie, serenading the couple with personalised wedding songs for an exclusive two hours.
It was a festive occasion, a wedding unlike any other held in that beloved establishment.
For Nyararai, Getrute is more than just a partner; she is a source of strength and support.
“Getrute is the love of my life, and ever since I met her, things got much easier,” he shared, reflecting on the challenges of his past.
“After enduring an abusive marriage, I found not only safety but also respect and acknowledgement of my worth in Getrute. In her, I found true love and a safe place to heal and transform my life.
“I have my own kids from my previous relationship and she also has her own kids. But as we are now one family, they are all our children as we treat them equally. We hope to raise a family that is full of respect for one another and the rest of the community, as these are what makes the great value of a well-groomed family,” said Nyararai.
Gloria Sithole, who is Nyararai’s sister, was also present at the joyous celebration at the city shebeen.
“This wedding makes me happy because my younger brother was longing for true love. I hope that their commitment will inspire younger generations to embrace love and respect, as marriage symbolises both devotion and cultural significance. As a family, we are very happy for my brother and his wife and we fully support their marriage,” said Gloria.
She said Nyararai and Getrute’s love story is not only a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, but also of the joy that love brings.
“These two have forged a new path together, they have blended our families and created a bond that reflects the beauty of companionship, understanding, and shared dreams. Their journey exemplifies how love can flourish in unexpected places and as we celebrate them here (at the city shebeen) I hope the union is an encouragement to others to believe in the possibility of love, even after heartbreak,” said Gloria.
Online Reporter