‘She sacrificed her studies for me’

The couple whose surprise marriage proposal at last Friday's I-Care Health Institute graduation ceremony sparked widespread debate say the moment was never intended to go viral but was simply a public declaration of love after five years together.

Moments after Lahja Shipopeni received her qualification, her partner, Faustinus Mbangu, walked onto the stage, dropped to one knee and proposed in front of fellow graduates, lecturers, friends and family. Videos of the proposal quickly spread across social media, attracting thousands of reactions, with some celebrating the gesture while others criticised it.

Speaking to Namibian Sun, Mbangu said the proposal was carefully planned and meant to honour the woman who stood by him through years of hardship.

"I decided to propose to her on graduation day in front of everyone to show her how much I love and appreciate her," he said. "I've watched her persevere throughout her studies, and that's when I realised God had given me a virtuous woman."

Mbangu said he never expected the proposal to become a national talking point.

"I never dreamed of becoming the talk of the country. I never thought this would become as big as it is today," he said.

He said the proposal was the culmination of five years of commitment and sacrifice.

"It took me five years to prepare for that moment. We've lived together through difficult times, and I saw her struggle to complete her studies. Sometimes she even put her academic commitments aside to support me and our relationship. Watching her make those sacrifices gave me the courage to make the decision I did on her graduation day."

Mbangu dismissed suggestions that the proposal was staged for publicity.

"It wasn't about who was watching," he said. "I wanted to show my fiancée that I would move mountains to prove my love is unconditional. I wanted the world to know she is the wife of my youth, and I'm proud that she accepted my proposal despite the criticism on social media."

While the proposal divided opinion online, it also inspired an outpouring of support from several Namibian businesses.

Kaselly Designs offered to sponsor two wedding gowns, calling on Namibians to stop mocking the couple. TRS Media CC pledged wedding invitations, countdown designs, customised champagne bottle labels and personalised wedding vehicle stickers.

"While others may choose to mock this couple, we choose to see love, commitment and God's presence in their union," the company said.

Kamuyelele Photography also offered to photograph the wedding free of charge and design 100 wedding invitation cards.

Shipopeni said she was disappointed that what was meant to be a joyful occasion had become the subject of ridicule.

"People are taking our celebration as a joke," she said.

Despite the criticism, she thanked those who had shown the couple kindness.

"We want to thank everyone who has celebrated with us and wished us well. Your kindness means a lot," she said. "To those who may have different opinions, we simply ask for respect and kindness. Love is something to be celebrated, and we hope our story reminds people to support one another and celebrate each other's happiness. We look forward to building a beautiful future together with God's grace."