Fouzia van der Fort|Published
When Mziwamadoda “Blacks” Xegwana met Jestlene while they were living on the streets of Camps Bay, he told her she would be his wife one day. Two years later, the couple have tied the knot, with local residents and businesses helping to pay for their special day.
The couple married at Christian Life Church on Monday, October 19, after receiving support from non-profit Ignisive to help them move off the streets. They now live at Culemborg Safe Space 2 on the Foreshore while working towards a more stable future.
Blacks said that he asked Jestlene to watch his clothes while he was away for three days, and he returned with lunch.
"My first words to her were that you are going to be my wife," he said.
Blacks said he immediately wanted to be with and support her.
"Thanks to God and those who supported us. May God bless you," he said.
A chance meeting in Camps Bay
Jestlene said she was grateful to have Blacks in her life.
"I love you so much, baby. Thank you for this beautiful day and for all of the people that support us. I must say thank you very much. This day I will never forget. Thank you so much for making me your wife. I appreciate it," she said.
They reside at Culemborg Safe Space 2, a transitional shelter facility located on the Foreshore, as they work toward building a stable, dignified future together.
Lead pastor Wayne Sandeman, who officiated the ceremony, said marriage was God's invention and that it was a theme throughout the bible.
He drew parallels from biblical weddings, beginning with Adam and Eve in the garden, continuing to Jesus ' first miracle of turning water into wine, and concluding with the ultimate union of Christ and His Church at the Rapture for an eternal celebration.
"God will keep making it beautiful, and you keep handing over your difficulties. You keep handing over your struggles. You keep handing over your carnal nature, and Jesus will keep transforming, and he will make this something amazing," he said.
A new chapter
Their lives took a transformative turn when they were supported in transitioning off the streets through the Ignisive Reintegrative Skills Development Programme (RSDP), a year long process to move into sustainable employment through social regeneration and skills development programmes.
The non-profit organisation, formerly Community Who Cares, partners with the Camps Bay Community Improvement District (CBCID) to transition people off the streets and into sustainable employment.
Ignisive founder and chief executive officer Theresa Massaglia said the couple’s journey to the altar was a remarkable story of resilience, restoration, and hope.
She said having both faced severe hardships living on the streets of Camps Bay, Blacks, originally from Khayelitsha, and Jestlene, formerly from Bonteheuwel, first crossed paths two years ago near the beachfront.
"Their story is a powerful reminder that, with support, opportunity, and human connection, transformation is possible, and even the most challenging journeys can lead to new beginnings," said Massaglia.
Community support
Police warrant officer Christian Lakay escorted Jestlene down the aisle. She was dressed and styled by a member of Mable Church and had a complimentary pampering session at Sorbet Camps Bay.
Blacks was outfitted by Ignisive board member Steve Maresch and CBCID board chairman Spencer McNally.
Their reception was at Primi Restaurant Camps Bay, and CBCID manager Muneeb Hendricks provided the wedding car and floral arrangements.
Massaglia and Ignisive reintegration manager Fiona Bosch coordinated the wedding.