For better or worse my love

THE Soweto Old Age Home came alive with the sound of wedding songs yesterday when two sweethearts - who had been apart for 21 years - exchanged vows.

Pensioners Dan Tshama, 67, and Joyce Dlamini, 65, celebrated Valentine's Day by promising to "love and cherish each other until death".

The couple first fell in love in 1987 but later went their separate ways. When Tshama, who is blind, came to stay at the home, Dlamini was already a resident there.

When Tshama, by chance, heard Dlamini's voice, he said: "That is my woman's voice."

The home's manager, Charles Mtshali, takes up the story: "They picked up where they left off. Today they are getting married."

The happy bride looked lovely in her white wedding dress, complete with veil, while Tshama wore a black suit. Local Pastor Somthunzi conducted the exchanging of rings and vows.

"These are two people coming together to unite as one ... and theirs is a true love that has weathered storms. Praise the Lord," Somthunzi said.

Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini was also present to wish the newly-weds good fortune.

Dlamini said she had recently discovered that she was related to the bride.

"I want to appeal to people to please visit their elderly at old age homes. They will appreciate your visit, caring and love," Dlamini said.

The bride's granddaughter, Lindiwe Mhlongo, 30, said she could not believe it when she first heard that her grandmother was getting married.

"After this, there is hope for us youngsters," she said.

The guests ululated and danced to old traditional and wedding songs. They all wished the happy couple a long life together.