On Sunday 13 November, the much awaited and talked about wedding of the elderly citizens Letta Matjila (69) and Samuel Mokobi (75) took place at Marapong Extension 4.
The wedding attracted people from different walks of life, far and near including catching attention of SABC 1 TV programme Selimathunzi. The elderly couple separately spent their previous night at a local hotel and lodge, before they would be driven off in a classic cars from Lephalale town to Marapong Extension 1,2 and 4 were showered with amazement upon seeing a horse carriage transporting the bride to the wedding venue.
It all started in December 2015 when Samuel Mokobi met Letta Matjila at SAVF in Marapong, also known as Mpepule Service Centre for the Aged. Mokobi fell head over heels in love with Letta, though he couldn’t express himself in the first place. Time went by until one day he finally expressed his romantic concern, which fell on fertile soil. Letta Matjila had already observed how gentle Mokobi was towards her. His softness attracted her to him.
On 2 April of this year, Mokobi sent his relatives for lobola negotiations to Letta Matjila’s family on his behalf. On that day he was very nervous and avoided conversations as he waited for an answer from his family representatives. Mokobi saved money from his monthly pension grant as he realized time was rushing against him to pay lobola.
This gesture perceived as unique, historical and encouraging prompted the team at SAVF to organise a wedding planning committee that would make the wedding an ever lasting memory to the couple. On the 22nd of August the first planning sitting took place, where tasks were given to committee members. These tasks were given to ensure the wedding takes place without the couple or their families contributing a cent from their pockets.
The couple’s wedding attire, the rings, horse carriage, the cake, make up, manicure, pedicure, tent, chairs, the sound system, photographer & videographer, accommodation on the day before the wedding and for the honeymoon, cars etc were all acquired through contributions and donations by individuals and businesses. This was the first wedding at Marapong SAVF since it was opened in 2006.
“Koko Letta and Rakgolo Samuel are members of Mpepule Service centre for the Aged that is operating at the SAVF One Stop community centre in Marapong. This is the first marriage at the centre. A marriage that has a special message to the society at large, that whatever you put your mind to you will achieve. Rakgolo Samuel had to save his pension money to pay lobola for Koko Letta. It also gives hope that love still exists no matter one’s age, love is forever. This union also addresses the issue of moral generation. It is not over until God says its over”, said Mrs Cate Ngwepe who is a Programmes Coordinator at SAVF Marapong.
The wedding planning committee says it is not over yet. Their second phase of efforts is to see that the couple has their own house where they will live happily together and in harmony. The wedding planning committee added by saying, ” We convey a message of gratitude to all the sponsors who contributed to the wedding and we would like to be part of the next project (to build the couple a house). This has proven that unity is indeed power”.
Though they have children, Letta Matjila and Samuel Mokobi have each never married before. The couple has now went on their honeymoon at a freely provided accommodation at a lodge in Lephalale.