CONGRATULATORY REMARKS
BY
PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI MP
FRIEND OF THE FAMILY AND
PRESIDENT OF THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
Brenthurst Gardens: 11 November 2018
I am delighted to say a few words as we celebrate with our dear friends, Nicky and Strilli Oppenheimer. This young couple has reached a milestone of marriage. The Golden Anniversary speaks of lasting love and commitment. What a pleasure it is to bear witness to this most remarkable of human achievements.
Too often we measure success by the temporary: by fame, fortune or Twitter followers. But true success is reaching a great age and finding still at our side the same companions who started the journey with us. There is little so edifying as sharing a long journey with a spouse and friend.
To me, Nicky and Strilli are like Juno’s swans. Their faithfulness has drawn the chariot of marriage. Undoubtedly they learned from the excellent example of my late friends, Harry and Bridget, whose long marriage was an inspiration to many of us, but more so to their children.
Nicky and Strilli are continuing that legacy, giving a good example to their own son, Jonathan, who enjoyed a strong marriage with his beautiful wife, Jennifer. We pray that their children will experience the same blessing of true love.
I speak as a man whom God has blessed with this very blessing. My wife and I have enjoyed 66 years together in a marriage that continues to astound me. Princess Irene is more than my spouse. She is my home. I am sorry that she couldn’t be here to celebrate with our friends. But as she battles ill health, she sends her good wishes, which our son and daughter-in-law have helped me to bring this evening.
On behalf of my family, I wish your family many more years of celebrations. May love continue to be the measure of success.
Congratulations!
