Ever-lasting lovers
Jordan and Venita’s love story sounds like a movie
The real-life love story of Jordan and Venita Silindane that rocked Mzansi on Sunday night’s Our Perfect Wedding continues to ignite in an evergreen retirement home.
The tear-jerker episode that was just as dreamy and romantic as 2004 film, The Notebook, saw the former missionaries renew their wedding vows after 63 years together.
Their love-at-first-sight tale dates back to the 1950s and it started with a sweet love letter.
The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 12, followed by the romantic ceremony that was televised on Mzansi Magic on June 16.
So, what has been the secret to their long-lasting love?
“We make sure that we have an agreement on everything in our lives. We stick together whether there is food or no food on the table. We always maintain the love. We keep the same friends – no one has their own individual friend,” Venita explained.
“I believe that my husband is my best friend. There are ups and downs, but we kneel down and pray together. We don’t involve family because at times a third person will take a side. In the end it just creates a big problem.”
The Soweto-born couple has one son, who is now late. Their family now includes their three grandchildren.
On Wednesday, Jordan had a pacemaker surgery. The 81-year-old was recovering at his granddaughter’s home when the episode was aired on Sunday.
“I just had an operation, but otherwise I’m fine. If you take lots of tablets, it makes you feel a little drowsy. But you can talk to gogo, she’s my wife and I’m sitting next to her,” Jordan told Sowetan yesterday.
Venita, 79, offered advice to young couples on having an ever-lasting love.
“When you love someone, don’t love them for any materialistic thing or a feature that they have. At the end of the day that thing will disappear and then the love will follow too. Love a person for who they are, with your whole heart. They are your lifetime partner.”