Guests arrive for Mandla Mandela wedding

Guests began arriving on Saturday afternoon to the Eastern Cape venue where former president Nelson Mandela's grandson, Mandla - despite a court interdict - is set to wed for the third time.

Curious onlookers from the village also made their way to the Mveso Great Palace in the hope of catching a glimpse of the celebrations.

The media was refused access to the proceedings by certain family members of the groom.

However, there did not seem to be consensus within the family on whether the media could attend, as family spokesman, Sidima Mnqanqeni, told Sapa the media was welcome.

"You know everyone was invited , I mean its just a wedding and the media is part of our community."

Mandela is expected to wed his Swazi princess bride Mbalenhle Makhathini at the Mvezo palace on Saturday, despite being interdicted against doing so by his estranged first wife Tando Mabunu.

Earlier this week, Mabunu was granted a prohibitory order by the Mthatha High Court against Mandela, which prohibits him from marrying anyone while still validly married to her.

However, on Saturday morning --as a white marquee was set up outside the palace -- Mnqanqeni said the wedding was going ahead.

"We are confident that there will be no disturbance and the marriage is on," he said.

The court order against Mandela comes just two days after his assets were attached by a Port Elizabeth sheriff for apparently defaulting on paying a living maintenance fee to his former wife Mabunu.

The assets seized reportedly included a minibus and several heads of cattle.

Mandela has allegedly on numerous occasions failed to pay R20,000 towards Mabunu's legal fees and also R12,500 as living maintenance payments.

Among the guests invited are royal kings including AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Sigcau and AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.

Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) president Chief Patekile Holomisa and the Eastern Cape chairman for traditional leaders Chief Ngangomhla Matanzima of Western Tembuland are also expected to attend.

Local traditional chiefs are expected to lead the traditional wedding celebration.