Not only will National Assembly speaker Baleka Mbete be celebrating her 67th birthday today but she will also be starting a new journey with long time beau, Bloemfontein businessman, Nape Khomo as they exchange vows in a wedding ceremony to be held at Gumatama, Mqanduli.


The couple courted for 5 years before Khomo popped the question.

According to Saturday Dispatch, the marriage was kept quiet for weeks with only close friends and family of the couple invited.

Family spokesman and Mbete’s younger brother, Mphakama confirmed that lobola had been paid but did not disclose any details.

“Yes, lobola was paid but that is a family affair,” he said.

11 cows were seen arriving at the home yesterday while the groom was invited to witness the slaughtering of an ox as a welcome gesture by the Mbete family.

A medium-sized tent was erected at the home and villagers also joined in the celebrations.

“We are happy that she decided to stick to tradition and culture because she could have had the wedding anywhere but decided to come and celebrate with us," said Bongiwe Ndlobongela.

Mbete was married to Keorapetse Kgositsile for 14 years and this will be her second marriage since her divorce in 1992.