Mandela to Marry Machel on 80th Birthday: Presidential Spokesman Denies Plan

Strategic Insights -

Nelson Mandela, the President of South Africa, is set to wed Graca Machel on Saturday, his 80th birthday, in a private ceremony at his home in Johannesburg. Machel is the widow of Mozambican President Samora Machel. Presidential spokeswoman Priscilla Naidoo has stated that the president's office was not aware of any plans for the wedding. The report, however, has been denied by presidential spokesman Parks Mankahlana, who said the story was not true.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nelson Mandela, the President of South Africa, is planning to marry Graca Machel on Saturday, his 80th birthday.
  • The wedding is said to take place at Mandela's home in Johannesburg in a private ceremony.
  • Machel is the widow of Mozambican President Samora Machel.
  • Presidential spokeswoman Priscilla Naidoo stated that the president's office was not aware of any plans for the wedding.
  • Presidential spokesman Parks Mankahlana denied the report, saying it was not true.
  • The ceremony is said to be officiated by Johannesburg Chief Magistrate Charlton Bashe.
  • Mandela is expected to make an announcement about the wedding at a banquet on Sunday night.

Statistics:

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  • The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has been asked to arrange the formalities for Mandela's wedding to Machel.
  • Machel is a Mozambican citizen, and the Department of Home Affairs must verify that she meets the requirement for marriage.

Sources:

  • The Star
  • Presidential spokesperson Priscilla Naidoo
  • Presidential spokesman Parks Mankahlana
  • Johannesburg Chief Magistrate Charlton Bashe
  • South African Press Association
  • Yangcheng Evening News