An 8-year-old boy recently married a 61-year old mother of five in a ritual ceremony in Tshwane, South Africa. Sanele Masilela married Helen Shabangu, in the ritual ceremony after the boy’s grandfather asked for him to be married before passing away.
The boy followed his grandfather’s wishes for fear of retribution. The boy’s mother, 46-year-old Patience Masilela, paid Helen $2,238 to wed her son. Sanele and his bride did not sign a marriage certificate and do not have to live together. Both have gone back to their normal lives.
The ceremony completely shocked the community but the family has defended the ceremony, saying it was just a ritual and not legally binding. The young boy hoped he would have a proper wedding to a woman his own age when he was older.
