Mchunu celebrates 70 in style
PREMIER Willies Mchunu had a 70th birthday week to remember.
Kwazulu-natal’s first citizen crowned his 70th with a traditional Shembe wedding to his new bride Zodwa Khoza, before throwing a spectacular birthday bash at the Coastlands Hotel in umhlanga.
On Thursday, Mchunu ‘tied the knot’ in a quiet traditional Shembe wedding in Greytown with his new bride who was at his side yesterday. The date for the grand white wedding has yet to be announced.
The who’s who of provincial politics were out in their numbers at the glamorous affair last night, which started a couple of hours late.
Mchunu’s birthday cake referred to him as “Macingwane”, his clan name, and was draped in the ANC colours of black, green and gold.
The SACP also had a cake for Mchunu, while his new bride had a cake with her name on it – supposedly to welcome her to the broader ANC family.
Mchunu’s big bash was a welcome relief after a torrid past two years. In 2016, the Premier lost his wife, father and mother in the same year.
Durban Mayor Zandile Gumede also celebrated her birthday on Saturday. The mayor turned 57. She wished Mchunu a happy birthday.
The glitzy affair included guests such as King Goodwill Zwelithini, former first lady Thobeka Madiba Zuma, Police Minister Bheki Cele, Human Settlements MEC Ravi Pillay, Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, Social Development MEC Weziwe amd ANC provincial task team convener Mike Mabuyakhulu.