The Dlamini family was surrounded by at least 20 security guards to avoid gatecrashers at TV presenter Minenhle “Minnie” Dlamini’s wedding in a sunny Durban on Saturday.
The guest list brimmed with celebrities who came to support Dlamini and her photographer fiancé, Quinton Jones, at their umembeso ceremony at her parents’ home in Durban’s northern suburbs.
They got engaged in December last year. Two big notice boards on the gate stated, “Strictly no weapons, camera, video, cell phone, photography (sic)”.
An umembeso is the giving of gifts to the bride’s family, including the bride’s mother, as a way of thanking her for raising her daughter.
Often, a list of gifts and their respective recipients is provided to the groom’s family beforehand.
Gifts generally include blankets. Some neighbours and fans who were not invited camped outside the yard, but they couldn’t see what was happening inside.
Every 20 minutes, guests were reminded not to take pictures and selfies because of the couple’s commitment to a contract giving exclusive rights to a TV station for the filming and broadcasting of the wedding.
It is understood the couple raked in millions.
City Press has learnt that Minnie’s Wedding Special will be broadcast on DStv and will be produced by the couple’s production company.
Sunday World reports the couple requested R6 million in total, with R3 million going towards production and the rest for the sale of the exclusive rights.
Among the guests who attended the couple’s big day were Dudu Khoza, Noma Gigaba, Thembeka Cele, Basetsana Kumalo and Jessica Nkosi.
Dlamini’s jewelry had been designed by South Africa’s premier fine diamond jewellery designer, Jenna Clifford – a world-renowned jewellery designer – known for her unique designs and superlative craftsmanship.
Her dramatic designs are sought-after by some of the most recognised business icons and celebrities worldwide, including CĂ©line Dion.