Nadine Osman
Nelson Mandela’s eldest grandson, “Nkosi Zwelivelile” Mandla Mandela, married Rabia Clarke in a private Muslim ceremony. The union between Clarke and Mandela who embraced Islam last year took place at the Kensington Mosque on February 6 followed by a reception at the 15 On Orange Hotel in Cape Town.
Mandela is a traditional chief in the Eastern Cape village of Mvezo where his grandfather was born. Former Muslim Judicial Council President, Sheikh Ebrahim Gabriels, officiated at the ceremony attended by family and friends.
Mandela made the announcement. “I am honoured and delighted to announce my marriage to Rabia Clarke, in Cape Town. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Rabia’s parents, her extended family and the Muslim community, for welcoming me into their hearts. “Although Rabia and I were raised in different cultural and religious traditions, our coming together reflects what we have in common: we are South Africans.”