By Celani Sikhakhane
- Social media exploded after the wedding, with many accusing the Shembe church of pushing young women into marriages with older men.
- Nosipho insists she loves Reverend Mlungwane, who lost his wife and children, and says he treats her with care and respect.
A 28-year-old bride says she married her 80-year-old husband out of love and not because she was forced.
Nosipho Hlongwana Mlungwane’s wedding to Reverend Mlungwane of the Shembe church in Mtubatuba has been the talk of social media.
Many people said she married him for money or claimed the Shembe church forced her into it.
But Nosipho insists: “I was never forced to marry him. I love him and he was made for me. At least he is not like other men who take advantage of young women.”
Reverend Mlungwane, who lost his wife and children, later asked Nosipho to become his wife. Neighbours said he felt cursed after losing his family and built Nosipho a new home away from his homestead.
The wedding was celebrated by leaders of the Shembe church’s eBuhleni faction, led by iNkosi Mduduzi uNyazilwezulu Shembe. Church leaders gave gifts, and the reverend built Nosipho a house.
But online critics accused the Shembe church of using young women.
Nosipho says she is happy. “I love this man. No one pushed me into this marriage.”
Pictured above: Nosipho Hlongwana Mlungwane on her wedding day.
Image source: Supplied
