‘Free’ wedding for mocked graduation proposal couple

A Windhoek couple whose graduation day proposal attracted attention on social media has received wedding sponsorships from several local businesses after the moment sparked both support and criticism online.

Shiponeni Lahja’s boyfriend of six years, Petrus Mbangu, proposed to her after graduating from the I-Care Health Institute on Thursday.

Mbangu presented her with an engagement ring as she walked off the graduation stage.

Videos of the proposal circulated on social media, where reactions were divided. While some users criticised and mocked the couple, a number of businesses responded by offering products and services for their wedding.

KK Media CC founder and director Anna-Liisa Shipanga says she decided to provide photography services for the couple after seeing the video.

“This is our way of contributing a little to make their day memorable. Their story, especially the proposal on graduation day, really stood out to me. It showed courage, love and commitment.”

Shipanga says supporting communities has always formed part of her business through initiatives such as donating sanitary pads to schoolgirls and providing photography and live-streaming services where needed.

TRS Media founder Maxmus Halwoodi says his company would sponsor 100 printed wedding invitation cards, 10 wedding countdown designs, 30 custom champagne bottle stickers and 10 wedding gift and card stickers.

“While others may choose to mock this couple, we choose to see love, commitment and God’s presence in their union.

We want to be there for them as they move towards that journey.”

He adds: “We believe love deserves to be celebrated, supported and cherished.”

Giant Photography owner King Hadula says negative comments directed at the couple influenced his decision to sponsor a pre-wedding photo shoot.

“Some 80% of people on social media are against the couple and calling the man financially challenged. I decided to give them a free pre-wedding photo shoot.”

SNK Printing and Manufacturing has also offered support. Chief operations officer Shaku Hanghuwo says the company would provide unlimited graphic design services, an A0 wedding canvas, and a pull-up banner.

“When we saw the video, we did not see something to mock, but a young couple celebrating love during a special milestone in their lives.”

He says online criticism had overshadowed what should have been a positive occasion.

“The internet can be a strange place. Sometimes a moment that should be remembered with joy quickly becomes the subject of criticism.”

Hanghuwo says the company wanted to remind the couple that there are still people who choose kindness over negativity, and encourages other businesses to contribute where possible.

Speaking to The Namibian yesterday, Lahja said she did not expect Mbangu to propose during her graduation ceremony.

The couple met in 2021 in Swakopmund and have been together for six years.

“We are very thankful to those who want to support our wedding. We have received calls from different businesses wanting to sponsor the wedding. I don’t think we will even spend anything.”

She said the support from businesses had exceeded their expectations.

Although the couple has not announced a wedding date, Lahja said she intends to marry Mbangu, adding that he supported her throughout her studies.

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