Grahamstown’s first same-sex union of the year, between two traditional healers, took place on Tuesday 18 August at the Home Affairs office.
Grahamstown’s first same-sex union of the year, between two traditional healers, took place on Tuesday 18 August at the Home Affairs office.
Mthuthuzeli May of Masele township tied the knot with Masixole Jafta, of Uitenhage.
"We have performed same-sex unions before in this office, but this is the first for 2009," said Maryna Daniels, a marriage officer at Home Affairs who married the happy couple. The two met seven months ago in Masele, and May popped the question soon afterwards.
"I felt that we are compatible together and that I would love to spend the rest my life with Masixole so I proposed. You cannot believe how happy I was when he said yes…The marriage officer was very nice and the process was really easy," said a jubilant May.
"I was only nervous because I am starting another life now, other than that everything went smoothly," Jafta interjected.
Both partners have a child from previous relationships but they want a child of their own.
"We are still talking about adopting a child because a child of our own will strengthen our bond," May said.
Jafta said it took a while for his family to accept him and that they were shocked when they found out he was getting married. However, they have since come to terms with it.
"Our marriage has not affected our business at all because our clients and neighbours knew we are gay even before we decided to get married, nothing has changed," said May.
The couple initially planned to marry in a church but were unable to find a pastor, and settled for the Home Affairs office. But this did not dampen their spirits as they are planning a tea party on 12 September at Jafta’s home in Uitenhage. They will call friends and family to celebrate with them and a dinner will take place at Masele at May’s family home a week later.
"We decided to both wear rings in order to show how proud and serious we are of our marriage, Masixole will be changing his surname to mine," said May.
