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Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporter
MOVIE scripts at times reflect reality. This is true for Margret Mpofu who met her husband after her car broke down five years ago along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway. She got help from Lindelinkosi Sibanda and that meeting culminated in a love affair that was cemented through a wedding last year.
Over 300 guests witnessed Margret and Lindelinkosi hold a military-themed wedding and tie the knot on December 15 at Lake Side Events in Bulawayo.
According to the couple, the venue was chosen because of its alluring deco, catering and exquisite views. The couple chose emerald green and champagne gold as the military wedding theme colours.
The director of ceremonies was Gringo Junior, alongside All Events’ DJ Nqoe, the Military band and Subaru (Privie) who provided the entertainment
A bayonet fixed on a rifle was used to cut the wedding cake adorned with Zimbabwe Defense Forces badge, the national flag and a grenade.
The bridal team had a whopping 25 people comprising 13 soldiers as well as 12 others. Charity Ndhlovu was the best lady, Ntando Ndlovu was the best man, the mini-bride was Princess Mpofu and mini groom was Iphithulinkosi Sibanda.
The bride, Margret, is the first daughter of Bernard Mpofu and the late Refiloe Moyo of Dulibadzimu Beitbridge. She is the firstborn in a family of three boys and one girl.
The groom, Lindelinkosi, a member of the Zimbabwe National Army’s 12 Infantry Battalion in Hwange, is the last born son of Mr and Mrs DN Sibanda-Masonganyoka of Filabusi. He has five other siblings, comprising three girls and two boys. He was born in Bulawayo.
Margret said she met Lindelinkosi in 2017 when she had car trouble along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway.
“We first met in 2017 along Bulawayo- Victoria Falls road when I had breakdown. I was going to Bulawayo and he was travelling to Hwange. I was driving a Nissan Liberty and so was he. I had seen him before and then during the breakdown we started chatting waiting for help and that’s how we became friends. We then started dating end of 2020. This was followed by the lobola ceremony and official engagement on May 1, 2021,” said Margret.
Lindelinkosi said the couple chose a military-themed wedding, to show the beauty and splendour of the army that he loves dearly.
“The Zimbabwe National Army made me the man I am today, a disciplined, hardworking and duty-bound cadre to my nation and the people I serve. It is in my veins. The other reason is to showcase to the world the honour reserved for any man or woman who is serving in any branch of the Zimbabwe National Army. A military wedding is a celebration steeped in tradition, not just for the wedding couple but for the entire wedding party,” said Lindelinkosi.
The couple said they did face challenges during wedding preparations, chief among them distance as they had to commute between Bulawayo and Hwange.
Lindelinkosi said his favourite part of the wedding was when Margret was handed over to him and when he kissed his bride.
“When her father handed over Margret to me was the favourite part of the wedding. Also, seeing them walking under the ark of arms symbolises the protection of our marriage and cutting of cake using a rifle bayonet. The most touching moment was when we exchanged our vows and when we kissed in front of everyone,” said Lindelinkosi.
The couple said the most touching speech was when they promised to love and support each other under the care and guidance of God in front of their parents.
On the menu were beef and chicken kebabs, meatballs, potato wedges, white rice, creamed samp, savoury rice, and macaroni with veggies. There was also, roast beef, stewed beef, roast chicken, butternut, beetroot, potato salad, garden salad, ice cream and fruit salad.
For their honeymoon, Margret and Lindelinkosi are planning to travel to Swakopmund, Namibia in April.
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