Lupepe weds his woman

Lupepe weds his woman

ELEGANT: Lupepe walks down the aisle with wife, Abigail. More exclusice pictures in The New Zimbabwe print newspaper, call +448450944436 to subscribe

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By Nkanyiso Moyo

ON AN overcast morning punctuated by a light drizzle last Sunday, Bulawayo business tycoon Delma Lupepe – one of the country’s richest men – married medical doctor, Abigail Mabaleka.

The ceremony at the SDA Selbourne Park Church, whose construction he financed, was organised in elegant detail.

Just after 10am, Vice President Joseph Msika led the congregation into the venue as they waited for the groom and the bride to arrive.

A convoy of high-priced cars draped in colourful ribbons was all the time worming its way to the church, blowing horns as dozens lined up the streets of the quiet neighbourhood of Parklands to witness the extravagant show of riches.

Lupepe, 40 something, arrived at the back of a shiny BMW 7 Series which had DELMA on its front number plate, and ABIGAIL, at the back.

The bride arrived in a Mercedes. The front plate read ABIGAIL, 31, and the back DELMA.

Lupepe elected a dark suit and sparkling white shirt and smiled as he walked down the aisle. Abigail’s Armani gown with diamonds embroidery and a four metre tail, held everyone in awe as she walked down. And the official ceremony began. The two lovebirds exchanged imported gold rings.

The church ceremony over, a convoy of more than 50 cars drove straight to the Black and Gold Club, while the groom, a pal and Vice President Msika had a five star lunch at Lupepe’s plush £2,5 million home in Parklands. The meal was prepared by chefs from the Holiday Inn.

On their way to Gold and Black, Lupepe and Msika passed through the Holiday Inn for some drinks, expensive drinks, and the religious tycoon really did forget his religion!

At the Gold and Black, which has football grounds and well manicured lawns, drink and food – including exotic cuisines -- was served. The drizzle did little to dampen the spirits of the more than 600 people who attended the event.

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BIG SHOT: Vice President Joseph Msika watches as Lupepe arrives at the church

The bride and groom received cash and gifts, most of it in foreign currency. There was no announcement of how much the couple received.

The who-is-who of Bulawayo made it. VP Msika, Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDI) boss Colonel Tshinga Dube, business tycoon Denesh Naran (son to the late Manilal), Executive Mayor Japhet Ndabeni-Ncube, Highlanders chairman Ernest Sibanda and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe advisor Eric Bloch were all there.

Abigail’s brother Phineas Mabaleka flew in from the UK for the wedding. His other brother, Highlanders legend Tymon ‘The White Horse’, was also in attendance. He is now a music promoter.

Kennedy Mujuru, the former AmaZulu Football Club chairman, Isaiah Shonhiwa and Gift Banda, co-directors of Njube Sundowns, former ZIFA director of Administration and Development Ndumiso Gumede and footballers also pitched up.

With Naran present, there was the inevitable notable presence of black market money changers known locally as “osiphatheleni”.
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