IN PICS | Unwavering love: Shonisani ties knot in intimate lobola ceremony

Three months after announcing their engagement, actress Shonisani Masutha and her partner Siyabulela Mawisa have sealed the deal.

The couple, who have been together for more than three years, became husband and wife on Sunday after an intimate lobola ceremony attended by close family and friends at Shonisani's family home in Cape Town.

The ceremony was a celebration of two cultures, Xhosa and Venda, coming together. From colourful Venda traditional attire donned by the blushing bride, to the mouthwatering traditional food.

“It’s an incredible feeling! This journey has been so deeply personal yet beautifully communal. Lobola is not just about two people coming together — it’s about families uniting, cultures blending and traditions being honoured. I feel immensely blessed to have experienced this moment with the love of my life and our families,” Shonisani told TshisaLIVE when reflecting on her special day.

“The entire day was magical! Seeing our families come together, laughing, negotiating and celebrating was surreal. One of the biggest highlights for me was the moment everything was finalised and I walked out to meet my family as a makoti. The ululations, the joy, the tears — it was a moment I’ll never forget.”

Shonisani, 33, said she and Siyabulela, 38, spent a lot of time learning about the marriage process to make sure they approached every step with respect in preparation for the ceremony.

“Siya was so intent about understanding every step, and that meant the world to me. The most memorable part? Seeing the pride in our parents’ eyes. That was everything.”

“Lobola is so much more than a transaction — it’s about respect, legacy and the sacred bond between families. It symbolises the merging of two homes and the acknowledgment that love is not just about two people, but about the community that surrounds and supports them. For me, it was a reminder of where I come from and where we’re headed as a couple.”

Shonisani praised her partner, Siya, for his support and commitment throughout the process. 

“Siya has been my rock. His patience, his eagerness to embrace my culture, and the way he has shown up for me at every stage has been beyond beautiful. His love is unwavering, and this ceremony was just another affirmation of the kind of life partner he is — someone who chooses me every day, in every way.”

The couple are still celebrating the milestone but Shonisani said wedding plans were certainly in motion. 

“We want to be intentional about every step, so we’re taking our time to plan something that truly reflects who we are. And beyond that, we’re both diving into exciting projects — Siya in his space and me with Shonisani Braid, my creative ventures and my return to the big stage.”

Her nuptials are not the only thing Shonisani is celebrating. As her Shonisani Braid empire continues to thrive, she is gearing up to make a return on the screen.

“I’ve just booked a lead role and will be making my way back to the stage — I can’t wait to share more about that soon! Plus, there are a few exciting surprises in the works. This year is all about elevation, expansion and stepping into every opportunity that aligns with my purpose.”