During an early briefing of the Hhoyi tribal council ummemo before the official start of Ummemo on Saturday October 12th, at the in KaHhoyi village in Mpumalanga, a marriage proposal was made to a member of the Ngomane Royal Family.

According to the Sowetan Live, Her Royal Highness Princess Palesa Ngomane of the Ngomane royal family was proposed to by Obed Bapela in the presence of her elder brother His Majesty Inkhosi Sandile Hhoyi II Ngomane, head of the BakaNgomane royal family and leader of the traditional council of Mpumalanga province.

Her Royal Highness who was attending Ummemo at the family's ground works for the Gauteng government and Obed Bapela who is the South African Deputy minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs met a year ago in Johannesburg after the death of his wife Constance almost two years ago.

According to the media, Obed Bapela who is a widower and father of 3 is said to have asked permission and also informed his children and late wife's family of his intentions to remarry.

He also continue by saying that lobola(dowry) negotiations will begin in November with formal celebrations being held in May 2020.

Inkosi Hhoyi II is said to be happy of welcoming a new member and was quite surprised and shocked of the proposal as everyone was busy in the Ummemo preparations and making sure that everything goes well