Anele Mdoda and Buzza James on marriage ahead of Netflix special

Anele Mdoda and her husband, Prince Bonelela “Buzza James” Mgudlwa, have spoken about married life as their Netflix wedding special, “Stars & Vows: Anele & Buzza”, premieres today, 13 November. According to IOL, the couple spoke at a press junket attended by their bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Rejecting the “hired help” expectation

The couple said they do not want to follow the expectation in some African households that a new bride, or makoti, must serve her husband’s extended family. Buzza said a wife who joins a family should be welcomed as one of its own. “You shouldn’t be treated like hired help,” he said.

Anele said his family lives by that principle. She recalled that Buzza’s sister arranged caterers for family gatherings so that Anele would not spend the day in the kitchen. Other relatives have asked why she was up early cooking. “Buzza’s family doesn’t play that game,” she said, adding that a woman in that family is valued.

What marriage has changed

Anele said the biggest difference is having someone firmly on her side. “You always have somebody in your corner,” she said, describing her husband as a teammate.

Buzza spoke about the role of tradition. He said that in very traditional homes, being a boyfriend is not really recognised until lobola has been paid. Formalising the relationship, he said, allowed a closer bond with Anele’s father and family, who he said have welcomed him like a son. He joked that he speaks to his father-in-law more than to his own father.

Despite the glamour of the televised wedding, Anele, who presents on 947, said their daily life is far simpler. “We are actually very boring,” she said, adding that she is mostly found in the kitchen and Buzza in his office. Buzza said his first priority is protecting his wife’s wellbeing, noting that the couple cannot control everything outside their home but can encourage and pray for each other within it.

The pair also joked about wedding catering. Anele said she had lobbied for Fanta Orange and a noodle bar. They also teased each other about who takes longer to get ready.

First Christmas and what to remember

Buzza said his father encouraged them to use their first Christmas as a married couple to build their own household routines rather than immediately taking on extended family commitments. Anele is due to work on Lotto broadcasts throughout December, so the couple will stay in Johannesburg for Christmas. They will make a short trip to the Eastern Cape on 18 December for an umgidi celebration.

For viewers, the wedding special is available on Netflix from today, 13 November.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.