Growing up, most people play “house” with a bride and groom and lots of pretend children. It’s reality for a 9 year old in South Africa. Saneie Masilela has become one of the world’s youngest groom again, marrying his 62 year old wife for the second time.
Baby faced Saneie Masilela clung to his bride Helen Shabangu as they repeated their vows on their one year anniversary. The second marriage ceremony was held at the home of the blushing bride in Ximhungwe in Mpumalanga, South Africa, in front of 100 guests.
Shabangu, a married mother of 5 shared a piece of cake, a toast, and even a kiss with her young groom Saneie and with her legal husband 66 year old Alfred Shabangu.
Last year, Saneie tied the knot with Shabangu after claiming he had been told by his dead ancestors to wed. His family took his claim seriously and forked out the money for the bride and for the big day. Saneie, insisted they follow through with South African traditions by having a second ceremony to make their marriage official.
Villagers were shocked, saying the marriage is “sickening” but the boy’s family has defended the union saying it is just a ritual and not legally binding. After the wedding, the couple went their separate ways, but they do meet up on occasion. The young groom said, “I chose Helen because I love her and although we don’t live together all the time we meet at the dumping site where my mother works regularly.” His bride, old enough to be his grandmother said she was happy with the arrangement. Her husband and their 5 children attended both ceremonies stating they are happy with their decision and don’t care what other people have to say.
Good, then they won’t mind our side eying this entire situation.