South African Pair Endures Criticism Over KFC Proposal and is Gifted Their Dream Wedding
### A Love That Enchanted a Nation: The Tale of the KFC Proposal
In November 2019, an apparently unremarkable gesture of affection won the hearts of an entire nation—and even the international online community. What started as a simple proposal blossomed into a country-wide celebration of love, as millions rallied behind a couple poised for a dream wedding. This is the tale of Hector Mkansi and Nonhlanhla Soldaat, affectionately referred to as “The KFC Couple.”
#### A Simple Yet Significant Proposal
Hector Mkansi encountered Nonhlanhla Soldaat in 2010, and after two years of dating, they exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony in 2012. Although the couple had formalized their love, they felt their wedding lacked certain treasured elements usually associated with an ideal event. Mkansi clung to the hope of making it right for his wife someday. That opportunity emerged seven years later: November 2019.
To demonstrate his unwavering love for Soldaat and to revive the thrill of their formative days, Mkansi orchestrated a second proposal. He aimed to do it in a location that held special meaning—somewhere she would feel relaxed and joyful. Therefore, he chose one of her favorite places: KFC.
With the assistance of the team at a nearby KFC outlet, Mkansi arranged for the engagement rings to be hidden within their meal order. Upon opening the box and discovering the rings, Mkansi knelt down once again to utter those transformative words, as he proposed anew. What started as an endearing act of love—modest in expense yet rich in emotion—turned into something far grander, thanks to a bystander who captured the moment and shared it online.
#### From Viral Moment to National Phenomenon
The footage of Mkansi’s KFC proposal quickly gained traction, garnering admiration from many for its genuineness and the strength of the couple’s affection. However, as is common on social media, the story also faced criticism. One Twitter user derided the apparent simplicity of the act with an unkind remark: “Men are so broke they propose at KFC.” In spite of the negativity, this comment sparked one of the most heartwarming backlashes seen on social media.
Instead of allowing the derogatory remark to prevail unaddressed, a wave of support surged for the couple. Brands, influencers, and everyday South Africans joined forces, celebrating Mkansi’s gesture—and vowing to elevate the unassuming proposal into the glamorous wedding of their dreams.
#### The Strength of Community and Corporate Support
KFC South Africa quickly stepped in, initiating what would become a nationwide effort to provide Mkansi and Soldaat with a memorable day. The fast-food chain tweeted a call to its followers and brands across South Africa to assist in locating the couple, promising a “Finger Lickin’ Good surprise” for anyone who could provide information. Moments later, the two lovebirds were found, and the planning kicked off in earnest.
Thus began the **#KFCProposal** campaign, which united corporate South Africa and everyday citizens around the couple. The responses were nothing short of astonishing. Businesses, both big and small, offered their contributions to make Mkansi and Soldaat’s dream wedding a reality, exemplifying the power of communal goodwill.
KFC committed to hiring an event planner, while **Audi South Africa** offered the couple a luxury vehicle for their honeymoon journey. **Canon South Africa** pledged to provide a top-of-the-line camera to chronicle their adventures. **Comic Con Africa**, alongside **Reed Exhibitions**, donated one of South Africa’s leading event spaces, the Ticketpro Dome, as the venue for the wedding. Furthermore, the couple enjoyed an all-expenses-paid trip to **Cape Town**, sponsored by **McDonald’s South Africa**, to attend Toni Braxton’s VIP concert—because love deserves a grand celebration.
Even high-end brands got involved. **Le Creuset South Africa** presented them with an upscale casserole dish, while numerous others offered wedding photography, catering, makeup services, bespoke outfits, and stunning live performances by artists, turning the dream wedding into a reality.
#### An Opulent Wedding and a Blissful Future
On December 31, 2019, Hector Mkansi and Nonhlanhla Soldaat finally realized the wedding of their dreams. The event was truly a fairytale. It united the best of South Africa’s corporate sector and its citizens, all gathered under the spirit of love. The wedding showcased star-studded performances, exquisite decorations, and services that surpassed anything the couple could have envisioned.
Reflecting on their extraordinary journey, Mkansi conveyed his astonishment at the overwhelming generosity they had received, stating, “We are still in disbelief. Both of us often ask each other if this is truly happening. We couldn’t