No expense spared

30 October 2011 - 03:13 By SUBASHNI NAIDOO in Mauritius
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BILLIONAIRE property developer David Mabilu chartered an aircraft for his guests and booked out an entire resort for his lavish beach wedding in Mauritius yesterday.

Mabilu arrived for his wedding - described by guests as one of the most over-the-top nuptials ever thrown by a South African - in a boat and landed on a "floating altar" where the ceremony took place.

For six months the event was wrapped in secrecy. Not even the guests had been told their tropical island destination. The multimillion-rand wedding and festivities, organised by actress and celebrity wedding planner Sophie Ndaba, began on Friday and will end tomorrow.

Mabilu, 42, who made most of his fortune building homes for the country's poor, tied the knot with businesswoman Phala Mokgophi, 38, in front of about 300 guests and relatives.

Among them were ANC Youth League president Julius Malema; actresses Lerato Moloi and Sonia Sedibe; businessman Sello Rasethaba; soccer boss Bobby Motaung; and SA 's ambassador to Ireland, Azwindini Jeremiah Ndou. Others were Merriam Ramadwa, deputy speaker of the Limpopo Legislature; Thabo Makunyane, mayor of Polokwane ; Dorcas Makgato-Malesu, district mayor of Capricorn municipality; and Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana, paramount chief of the Vhavenda in Limpopo.

Mabilu's doctor, Nkateko Masingi, said: "I'm absolutely star-struck. (Mabilu) just wants everyone to have a great time. He's incredibly generous ... and paid for absolutely everything."

It's estimated that the couple splashed out about R750000 to hire some of the country's top musicians to entertain their guests on the island.

According to booking agents, some artists on average charge between R50000 and R87000 for an hour-long performance.

The entertainment line-up included comedian David Kau; Afro pop groups the Jaziel Brothers and Mafikizolo; the Afro Tenors; jazz singer Judith Sephuma; kwaito stars Zakes Bantwini and Professor; house music group Liquideep and popular house DJs Black Coffee, Thulebona, Oskido, Vinny, Ganyani and Christos.

Mabilu and Mokgophi paid over R2.5-million for airline tickets and to charter an Air Mauritius aircraft for guests. He booked out the entire exclusive five-star Long Beach resort overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Rates at the newly opened R580-million resort start at R4648 per room a night and go up to R14784 for a suite. The bill for the three-day extravaganza is expected to be over R10-million.

On Friday, the couple hosted a pre-wedding party where their guests, including SA's ambassador to Mauritius, Jerry Ndou, were entertained by musicians.

Yesterday morning, guests were given free rein at the resort's luxury spa. Others enjoyed the sun on their terraces, while some worked off their breakfast with a round of golf at the Le Touessrok Golf Course. Otherstried their hand at snorkelling, waterskiing, and kayaking.

Mabilu's staff described the festivities as "unbelievable" and the "event of the year". Receptionist Thembi Khumalo said: "This is heavenly ... everyone dreams of a weekend like this."

After lunch guests disappeared into their suites and returned formally dressed to the resort's restaurant, Le Marche.

Tshepo Mngoma, award-winning violinist and vocalist, played background music as they filtered onto the beach.

Mabilu and his best man, Nong Serote, arrived in a boat which dropped them off on a floating altar in the Indian Ocean, leading onto a red carpet. Minutes later, the Jaziel Brothers' performance signalled the arrival of the bride, who walked down the aisle in a flowing gown, made of imported French silk and a Swarovski beaded train, designed by Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel du Toit.

The Three Afro Tenors performed during the ceremony led by the Rev Sello Mohale.

When the couple exchanged wedding bands, Mabilu gave his bride a two-carat rectangular cut diamond ring with the platinum covered in 144 cut diamonds. Although the designer, Kevin Friedman, of Frankli Wild, declined to disclose the price tag, several top jewellers valued it at about R450000.

After the ceremony, the guests were ushered into the glass marquee for the reception where Sephuma performed during dinner. The menu included fresh crab and lobster meat, fresh clams, wild sea bass, and marinated lamb cutlets on the grill. Then the couple cut their tropical island-inspired wedding cake - designed by Franco Lambiase - after which fireworks lit the skyline.

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