Taruvinga

Yusuf 

Sigama

Tati

Choir 

 

If life was a sea of golden grass swaying to the song of south breezes

And each soul carved out a trail of their own

Amongst the millions of paths that sweep the landscape

The paths of true love come close together braiding like the hair

Of a fair maiden

into ever binding knots of love and family.

 

On behalf of our The department of Home Affairs, our Minister Malusi Gigaba, our Director General Mkuseli Apleni, I would like to welcome our 16 couples to this day of tying the knot that binds you to each other and remind you that together you must continue to tie stronger bonds of love, respect, and very importantly compassion for each other.

 

What better place to mark an historic occasion in your lives than Robin Island one of the most iconic places in our beloved country.

 

And it is here that humanity will always look to see how adversity, injustice the most savage and tormenting situation that can possibly be imposed on a people , can be obliterated, cleansed and purified by a strong love for dignity, equality and nationhood.  This island is a monument not to mankind's inhumanity, but a monument that testifies that Love does conquer All.

 

Today we stand on ground that bears testimony that the Human qualities of love, respect and deep compassion are all we need in life to ultimately successful.

 

One of the greatest South African love stories was that of Walter and Albertina or Ntsiki Sisulu.  After he was released I had the great honour of hosting them one of the first celebrations of human rights   day. Despite their advance age and despite ailing health, and among hundreds of people, when you looked at them you knew that they were in their own little world and saw the world through each others eyes, and when they looked at each other they always smiled.

 

 When Walter Sisulu was incarcerated on Robin Island, far from being depressed, Albertina and her children were relieved that he was not sentenced to death. However the authorites moved the Removed Rivonia trialists immediately to the Island so the families did not get to say goodbye.

The impact of Walter’s incarceration on their family lifewas immense. Albertina was harassed by the police she was take from her children and placed in prison, spent many months in solitary confinement, had to fend for the family, and as their children were growing up they too were imprisoned and tortured by the police.

 

Yet she didn't once blame Walter or suffer any recriminations against him, because she made his cause her cause, and in this is a great lesson for all of us, who are, and who are about to be married. Don't do anything without deep consultation and take individual responsibility for your decisions

 

On their anniversary, after being in prison for about 14 years, Walter penned this letter to his beloved wife Ntsiki.

 

Walter Sisulu wrote this while he was in prison in Robin Island:

"...

Darling

I think this is the date on which we got married 35 years ago. I was certain of this date until I slid my pen on the paper when I began to have some doubt whether it was the 15 or 17 July. All these years I was sure, but now?"

 

(Aside- the first lesson we learn is that - as a general rule husbands always forget anniversaries - it's a factory defect- so they need reminding  - a lot )

 

"Your welcome and most moving letter has had the desired effects ... It was not the volume that mattered, it was the quality, deep emotion and sincere expression of love which left an everlasting impression and kindled the fondest memories. I shall forever treasure it. I shall always imagine you in that excellent and fine spirit which it so vividly depicted ... " ( Aside...Lesson 2- love needs expression - often at least once a day- say it in all and every circumstance, and remember that nobody ever gets tired of hearing it."

"Concerning the progress you have made with regard to family matters and the manner in which you have handled them, I can only repeat what I have said in the past - absolute superb. I have never felt as comfortable as I am. I am really happy about all the children. It is true I would we wanted the highest possible education but I think they will certainly make up for it. I was happy when there was a re-union of the children four years ago and now with Lakhe and Lindi all seems to be very well."

(Aside-Lesson three - live in affirmation not criticism, we all need praise for our efforts, but you will not be able to affirm your partner if you do not have compassion.)

"Now darling, let me have the photos of the two girls at least, you know in fact that I want the photos of all of you, including ' bakhozi (in-laws). Your last photo was taken by Mthetwa or Cuthbert Mawana 12 years ago. Can you believe that? Have you any photo of Max there? Please send me a duplicate of it. I know you would not want to part with it."

(Aside -Lesson 4  - ask for what you want- never expect the other to know what you want, thinking along the lines of - oh if he or she really loves me he or she will know what I want for my birthday, etc  - you married a person who is human with frailties, not a psychic!)

"What are your plans about Nkuli? ... Let her not miss the chance of a university while she is still interested. By the way, Tinie, she needs your attention and guidance on her love affairs. I know you think she has no boyfriends. She has told me that she has one. (Aside Lesson five : Children are going to be challenging- they are  great, but they lie- a lot.)

"We ought to know what kind of boy he is even if there is nothing serious at this stage; at least it is a way of educating them." (Aside lesson six -Building the family that you want is both your jobs)

With love to you and the children and million kisses to my beloved Ntsiki"

 

In Albertina's words:

 

"We loved each other very much.

 

We were like two chickens

 

One always walking behind the other."

-           Albertina Sisulu

 

Today on behalf of the Minister and the Department of Home Affairs our wish for you is this:

 

May your love be as powerful as that of tata Walter and Mama Albertina, and may you find in each other, happiness, affirmation, comfort and loving companionship.

 

Thank you.