FAQs
Here are some quick answers to the frequently asked questions.
If you have any other questions regarding the wedding please feel free to contact Swazi Hlatshwayo on +27 63 774 8872
1. What is the theme / dress code for the wedding?
The Theme for the wedding is African Royalty.
Inspired by the film Coming To America we have envisioned a regal celebration that is imbued with signature elements of African culture like warmth, community, joyous melodic sounds and explosive colour.
The Dress Code is Regal African.
We imagine a glamorous occasion with African regalia in full display reflecting the beauty of the various nations that will be represented in each of the ceremonies.
2. What are the Venues, Dates & Times for each event?
Below is the set of dates, venues and times for the key events. You can also find the details on The Wedding(s) page.
Awareε (Ukwamkela abaYeni)
The Ghanaian traditional marriage ceremony sometimes referred to as ‘The Traditional Wedding’. Here, the groom’s family presents gifts and Tiri Nsa (Lobola). This is the equivalent to (Ukwamkela abaYeni in Xhosa culture).
Venue: Acheampong Home, 1 Cedar Key Avenue, Dorchester Heights, East London
Dress: African Heritage
Date: 26 Oct 2019
Time: 10:00
Matrimonial Ceremony
The families witness the official marriage ceremony in the church according to Christian religion. It will be followed by a family gathering at the bride’s homestead.
Address: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 44 Albany Street, East London
Dress: Smart
Date: 13 Dec 2019
Time: 09:30
The Bridal Voyage (Ukwamkela Uduli)
A pre-wedding family gathering at the bride’s homestead which is the formal send-off of the bride. She will be accompanied by an entourage called Uduli to the grooms home town where she is recieved with ceremony.
Address: 1 Cedar Key Avenue, Dorchester Heights, East London
Dress: Smart
Date: 13 Dec 2019
Time: 13:00
Umtshato WesiXhosa
The flagship event for the wedding process (at the Groom’s homestead), where family and friends and the community acknowledge and celebrate the joining of families. This will be celebrated with the slaughter of a beast.
Address: Nobanda Homestead, Zwelitsha, Mission, KwaNobanda, Ngculu, Nqamakwe
Dress: African Royalty
Date: 14 Dec 2019
Time: 10:00
3. What are the transport options available to get to the destination?
1. Air (Flights)
The nearest airport is East London Airport. There are several flight options from JNB, CPT, DUR airports. Airline choices include
- Kulula
- Safair
- South African Airways
- Airlink
2. Road (Shuttle)
We have a shuttle service arranged that you can book for transport to Eastern Cape from Johannesburg (return). Your booking will include local transportation only (within EC). Details are on the Travel Page.
3. Road (Self Drive)
Both Nqamakwe and East London are within 12 hours from most major cities. Please ensure you drive safely and take regular stops. Please consider that there are about 4km of dirt road that will be travelled once you arrive in Nqamakwe. Cars with very low suspension (sports cars) will struggle to navigate the roads so it is advisable not to use them in Nqamakwe.
Distance to Nqamakwe:
- Johannesburg – 910 km
- Cape Town – 1080 km
4. How do I confirm my attendance (RSVP), or decline if I can't make it?
We would appreciate if you can confirm your attendance (or let us know if you cannot make it). To RSVP simply click on the RSVP page on this website and follow the steps outlined.
If you cannot make it kindly let us know to help with planning. Simply RSVP and leave us your well wishes in the message section. We would really appreciate it.
5. Is there a gift registry for the wedding?
We have decided not to use a gift registry. Please feel free to choose any gift that you would like to get us and we will be very appreciative of it.
6. Do I need to bring cash for the bar?
There will be some drinks provided. But we advise that you bring cash, as there will be limited drinks and a limited selection. A cash bar will be available for parts of the evening.
7. How will the seating work? Can I sit anywhere?
The seating arrangements for all the functions will be set via a specified seating arrangements. This means your seat will be marked for you. Please find the seat you are designated. Our hosting team will be on hand to direct and assist you.
8. Will my image be used on public platforms?
Yes, by accepting RSVP’ing and or attending the wedding, you have accepted that we can use your images on public platforms, we can use your image with no notification. We do have intention to publicly broadcast some of the images and videos we will collect. We hope you do not mind. You can read the terms of the agreement here.
9. Can I bring my kids?
We regret that no kids will be allowed at any one of the wedding functions. Because of the large number of children in our families we have decided as an adults only function in order to ensure that we can all fully enjoy the experience.
10. What is the nearest Town to Nqamakwe?
Butterworth is the closest town to Nqamakwe (about 35 km drive) and will have a significant number of accommodation options. See the Hospitality page on this site for details.
11. What activities are there to do in Nqamakwe (or close by)?
Plenty! The coast is only about 30 minutes drive away and some of the best beaches are in this part of the world. Village life can be lots of fun as well especially in December with plenty events happening with an ‘all welcome’ ideology.
12. Why do we need to send contact numbers for both spouses?
The phone number is important because it serves multiple purposes:
1. It is a unique guest ID for planning and event management systems.
2. It is a security ID in for safety and emergencies
3. It is also a direct contact for communication when urgent. Example a scenario where this helps:
A. Spouse A is out of battery and can not be reached by the airport transfers team when they land, the team can use the spouse B contact.
B. A system glitch does not show spouse B on the guest list and access is denied on entry to the wedding. Coupling data will show that Spouse A has a plus one (+1) allocated to their RSVP. The hospitality team can still provide access quickly (without calling the bride to the entrance).
13. Can I request a song on the day from the DJ?
You are welcome to request any song as long as it is by an African artist. Kindly do it before the wedding using the song request page