There was pomp and ceremony when the much-awaited wedding between a celebrity couple, Fholisani Mudau and Portia Nethengwe, finally took place.

Fholisani, a well-known businessman from Tshisahulu, married his sweetheart, Portia Nethengwe of Muledane, a constituency manager at Halambani and also the youngest councilor in Vhembe, during a lavish ceremony for the selected guests at the Rhema Kingdom Life Hall at Tshifulanani last week.

The two became the talk of the town after their much-publicized engagement party was held at Shayandima last year with the executive mayor of Vhembe, Cllr Falaza Mdaka, topping the guest list. Since then, the two have been inseparable and a hot item. Rumours of wedding bells started spreading late last year, with both of them denying the claims, but the rumours became persistent in January when the two were spotted doing some shopping in preparation for the big day.

Still, the couple refused to confirm these rumours, saying people should stop meddling in their affairs and leave them alone. The big day finally arrived and the province’s who’s who attended the wedding.

Amongst a host of dignitaries were the speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, Dr Tshenuwani Farisani, deputy speaker Mrs Catherine Mabuza, Executive Mayor Mdaka, the mayor of Thulamela, Khosi Vho Thivhulawi Makumbane, Vhothovhele Gole Mphaphuli, and the first lady of the province, Mrs Moloto.

The immaculately dressed couple made a grand entry into the fully packed hall with a standing ovation from the ecstatic guests who ululated every step they took. They went straight to a couch specially decorated for the occasion and all were requested to sit down and the proceedings started.

Addressing the wedding, Mrs Moloto said she had met Portia some six years ago and found her to be a good person. She described her as obedient and good marriage material. She said she has all the qualities to can make it in married life. Moloto urged the couple to treat each other with respect in order for their marriage to work. "Marriage is made in heaven and is maintained here on earth by people; please maintain it," she said. She added that as partners they should work together closely for their marriage to succeed. "Please give the little time you have to people nearest to you; spend it profitably with your family," she said.