Culture Craze
Anele Mdoda speaks about marriage, tradition, and life as a royal wife
Anele Mdoda embraces royal life as Mrs Mgudlwa
When Anele Mdoda returned to the 94.7 Breakfast Club after what she described as a long and emotional year, she did not ease listeners in gently. Instead, she dropped the news with her trademark confidence and warmth. South Africa can officially call her a married woman.
Now known as Anele Mthawelanga Mgudlwa, the broadcaster and media personality has confirmed her marriage to AmaXhosa prince Bonelela Buzza James Mgudlwa of the AbaThembu royal lineage. For Anele, this was not just a legal milestone but a deeply cultural and spiritual journey that unfolded over many months.
From rumours to reality
Speculation around Anele’s marriage had been swirling since images from traditional ceremonies surfaced online earlier in 2025. Many assumed the deal was already done. Anele, however, set the record straight in her own words. She explained that becoming a wife in AmaXhosa culture is not about leaked photos or assumptions. It is about being formally taken to the groom’s family home and recognised by the ancestors.
Only after she arrived at the Mgudlwa homestead, stepped onto the land, and was fed utsiki from the family kraal along with a symbolic portion of meat did she consider herself truly married. The traditional ceremonies were completed on 29 December 2025, marking the moment she was officially welcomed as a wife.
A royal welcome and a new identity
As part of the process, Anele wore an ijalimani, traditional attire worn by married AmaXhosa women, signalling her new status to the community. She also received a new name, Mthawelanga, meaning ray of sunshine. Anele described the naming as a rebirth, saying it marked her transition into a new phase of life as a wife.
The legal side soon followed. With the paperwork finalised at Home Affairs, she joyfully declared herself Mrs Mgudlwa on air, a moment that sparked excitement across social media. Many fans praised her openness and the way she honoured tradition without turning the moment into a spectacle.
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What it means to be a royal wife
When asked whether marriage to a prince makes her a princess, Anele’s response was classic Anele. She confidently clarified that she is a royal wife, adding with a laugh that respect still applies. The comment quickly made the rounds online, with listeners applauding her humour and pride in her new role.
Her husband, Buzza, also shared his feelings publicly. In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram shortly after the wedding, he thanked God for answering his prayers and described Anele as the woman his heart had been waiting for. The message resonated with many South Africans who admired the couple’s balance of faith, tradition, and love.
Culture at the centre
What stands out in Anele’s story is how deliberately she chose to centre AmaXhosa customs. In a time when many public figures opt for private or Western-style ceremonies, Anele’s journey highlighted the continued importance of cultural rites in modern South Africa. It also opened up conversations online about how traditional marriages work, especially for those unfamiliar with the steps involved.
For Anele, becoming Mrs Mgudlwa was never about a single day or a single photo. It was about belonging, ancestry, and stepping into a role with intention. As she continues her career in the public eye, she does so with a new name, a new title, and a deep sense of pride in where she comes from.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: News24
