HISTORIC MINISTERS WEDDING that became the talk of the country
Source : Kutlwano
Author : Calviniah Kgautlhe
Location : Kanye
Event : Wedding ceremony
With every detail meticulously curated with fancy monochromatic palette of all-white lush blooms, ambient elegant candle lighting, intricate luxe details and soft music, the tone was set in December at Mafikana ward in Kanye at the Mophuting residence as two powerhouses strode down the aisle.
Adorned in beautifully designed dazzling traditional African outfit and regal black and white speckled cowhide gown, which was deeply symbolic. The celebration blended timeless elegance with bold modern aesthetics.
The luxury wedding fused historical grandeur with sleek, fashion forward design where each couple’s attire told the story of tradition and identity exuding deep meaningful elegance, timeless and effortless sophistication. It was here that the acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti boldly took Assistant Minister for State President Defence and Security, Maipelo Mophuting with a jaw dropping dowry price of 24 cattle, which sent tongues wagging nationwide as the couple began a historic chapter as husband and wife.
Perhaps the first marriage of its kind witnessed by the nation, the two centres of power came together in a wholly matrimony on December 19.
Looking elegant and versatile, the high profile dignitaries suited up inside the lush, immaculate glass marquee wedding tent decorated in sophisticated simplicity of white paired with vibrant green foliage creating a fresh and romantic ambiance.
The tables were embellished with gold accents, soft candlelight and white blooms statement centerpieces, which elevated the sophistication while maintaining the natural charm in an air-conditioned atmosphere.
Indeed the couple had pulled out all the stops for their glamorous celebrations held at Kanye and Digawana, including a magical show stopper helicopter arrival at the groom’s home village at Digawana.
They did not forget the invitees; they had put up another giant white marquee for them where they also enjoyed the wedding and feasted in close proximity.
This was an act of fate; the couple met on November 8, 2024 when they were sworn in as members of the 13th Parliament, according to the bride on the day.
“Dr Dikoloti was sitting next to Bogolo Kenewendo. I went over to greet them, and he said ‘Wow! You smell good’ after I hugged him,” she said.
The groom then began the chase and was eventually accepted. He was quick on his heels and within a short space of time revealed his intentions. “I was thinking that you
can ask God who I am to you?” read a message he sent to Maipelo at night after they parted after a date night.
The next day he did not waste time, he sent her another message, ‘Modimo a reng?’ revealed the bride during their wedding.
She said on December 31 when they were together and he had gone to greet her parents, when they walked into the house they found the family listening to the song ‘Wena Beulah.’
“And it was then that I knew that there must be something here. That it was ordained by God,” she said to thunderous cheers from well-wishers.
“Today is about celebrating love. We were eager to come and witness something that has never been done before where two members of cabinet are unable to resist each other and go beyond calling each other my honorable. Most importantly, it is not about the positions they hold, it is about the decision they have made about the love they feel for each other,” said leader of Opposition in Parliament Dumelang Saleshando when giving the couple a word of encouragement.
Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa also wished the couple well.
He jocularly said he suspected that there was a pot simmering upon noticing their casual chatting outside on the corridors of Parliament and he instinctively became overprotective of her as he treated her like his sister.
What Mohwasa suspected came to the fore when he saw a leaked picture of them on social media, which then confirmed his suspicions, but still the two kept the relationship a secret until it became clear that there was going to be a wedding.
Vice President, Ndaba Gaolathe also showered the Dikolotis with well wishes. He said Maipelo was the kind of woman who lit up the room whenever she entered and he believed that she brought that to the marriage, as well as her believe in God, her value for family, adding that such attributes should be nurtured.
“Ke ne ke bona e re ko Palamenteng fa go buiwa ka Maipelo le Edwin go ne go tshegiwa go nna monate thata. Ga tloga ga nna le senepe gotwe ba bonwe golo gongwe ba le mmogo, bangwe ba leka go ntshebetsa ke bo ke akanya gore go raya gore ba ne ba ile tirong. Jaanong ba re nnyaa wena o tlhaloganya dilo morago ga lebaka. Ba mpontsha senepe sentle jaanong, fa ke leba ka ipotsa gore tiro e ba e berekang ba e bereka jang,” he said jokingly.
He also appreciated Dr Dikoloti for his valiant, exemplary character for standing for what he believed in with unflinching resolve. “Truly he is a special man,” he said.
For her part, South Africa deputy minister of Public Service and Administration Pinky Kekana said her journey with Mrs Dikoloti nee Mophuting comes from way back in Polokwane.
Their political and social paths crossed and they became sisters, adding that she appreciated certain attributes about her.
“As you step into this new chapter, may your partnership continue to reflect the values you live by, service, compassion and faithfulness to God and to one another, to your children and to the people of Botswana who saw faith in you,” she said. ENDS
