BRIDAL PARTY

On the surface he is just what he says that he wants people to see him as "an ordinary guy hard working guy." "I am an African."
Themba Hadebe, the 55 year-old, Johannesburg, South Africa based, Associated Press staff photojournalist . A  '98 World Press, winner, also CNN African Photographer of the Year,  African Journalist (AFJ) -  African Journalist of the Year, Fuji Press Photographer of the Year, PSL Photographer of the Year, and the eldest for five siblings, raised in the hard working community of Thokoza, east of Johannesburg.

Buhle is the fabulous older sister of BeNguni, a beacon of inspiration and grace. She's currently in her first year pursuing a degree in International Relations, Buhle is thriving in her new chapter of life. She's exploring a vibrant new city in a different province, embracing independence, and making the most of her exciting journey.

In her spare time, she is a voracious reader, finding solace and adventure in the pages of her favorite books. She loves her tai food, specifically “Simply Asia 514”. She cherishes moments spent with family and friends, adding warmth and joy to every gathering. Her blend of intellectual curiosity and loving nature makes her an extraordinary person to have by your side.

Her unique charm and vivacious personality are sure to light up the room. She is thrilled to stand by her Aunt on this special day, ready to celebrate love and create beautiful memories.

Musa, as he is known to everyone, is the bride’s nephew and godson.  He is 16 years old and is doing Grade 10.  He is an aspiring footballer and is very athletic.  His motto in life is "aspiring for greatness, chasing my passion".  He is the baby of the Nhlapo family and works hard to always remind his family

Nkosana, 9, is the eldest of three boys.  He enjoys playing with his many friends and makes friends easily.  His favourite animal is a Tiger and he is fascinated by snakes.  He loves all sports but his favourite is cricket, followed by soccer.  He also enjoys hockey.  In his spare time, when he is not on the sports field, you will find him gaming.  His favourite subject is Mathematics.  He loves to travel to the Bush and his favourite meal is pap and mogodu and all things sweet!

Masande, 7, is the second of three boys.  He is very sporty and balances his sports activities with his love of cultural activities such as playing the piano, singing in the choir and reading.  His favourite sport is cricket.  Masande is very inquisitive and always seeks to know how and why things work the way they do.  He loves to teach his friends soccer and cricket tips and to show them how to solve maths problems.  When he is not playing sport, he can be found gaming.  His favourite foods are pizza, chicken strips and ribs and his favourite holiday destination is Mauritius.

Khayelihle, 6, is the youngest of three boys.He is extremely energetic and you will seldom find him sitting down.He loves to sing, play cricket and soccer and looks forward to singing in the school choir next year.He is very friendly, and makes friends with everyone, young and old.He is very artistic and enjoys drawing and colouring, when taking a break from the outdoors.He also really enjoys helping out with gardening work.Khaya’s favourite meals are spaghetti bolognese and pap and meat.Khaya loves the bush and enjoys game drives the most.

Aged 5, Sivuyile is a joyful and energetic boy with a love for tennis, rugby and music.  His favourite colour is blue, and he can often be found enjoying a slice of pizza or playing on  climbing sets.  His infectious enthusiasm brings joy to everyone around him.

Siyakha Langa Nxumalo is a 4-year-old young boy who really enjoys playing sport and participating in outdoor activities.He enjoys musical instruments like the piano and loves playing in the garden, looking after plantations.

Njabulo “Njabs” is 4 and a half years old.  He’s shy, smart, very funny, kind, loves to give kisses, and always brings mama flowers every time he goes to the park.  His favourite sports are soccer and rugby (obsessed with the Springboks), and he loves to swim.  When he is not outside kicking the ball or playing in the park you can find him watching his favourite shows: Spidey and His Amazing Friends, Paw Patrol, Talking Tom (laughing his lungs out), and anything with transforming robots and zombies.  Spiderman is his favourite superhero and if it were up to him, he would wear his spiderman costume all day and every day. 
Njabs loves to build/create things – legos, transforming robots, puzzles, play dough, and slime are some of his favourite activities to do.  He is also very curious, inquisitive, and likes to understand how things work, always pulling things apart and trying to put them back together.  Mama spends the whole day answering questions.  Mamkhulu (the bride) is convinced he is going to be some type of engineer one day.  His favourite colours are blue, red, and black.  He enjoys story time before bed and his favourites are The 3 Little Pigs and Pinocchio.  He is very excited and looking forward to performing this very important job at his Mamkhulu’s wedding, whom he loves dearly because she always buys him sweets.

I am BeNguni, the pint-sized dynamo who’s 2 years old and already stealing the show.  Picture a blend of sunshine and a little hurricane – yup, that’s me!

I am always up for a good nursery rhyme sing-along, especially while taking a leisurely stroll with the birds providing background vocals.  Deciding whether I prefer soccer or rugby is my current dilemma, but I’ll figure it out soon.  One thing is for sure: I LOVE blowing bubbles every chance I get!

On the big day, watch out for my adorable swagger as I walk down the aisle.  When you hear a chorus of “aww, how cute” from the crowd you’ll know its me, Ndwandwe, bringing a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and a sprinkle of toddler magic to the celebration.  Get ready for some serious toddler charm.