South Africa goes wild for KFC marriage proposal

Wedding is being dubbed as South Africa’s very own fast-food fairy tale

Footage of a South African man proposing to his partner in the fast-food franchise KFC midway through a meal is not only breaking the internet, it has seen multinationals as well as individuals coming forward to support the couple so they can have the wedding of their dreams.

The wedding, dubbed South Africa’s very own fast-food fairy tale by the BBC, has attracted top brands such as Audi, Total, Nedbank and Amstel as sponsors for Hector Kansi and Nonhlanhla Soldaat’s wedding, honeymoon and married life.

While the bystander who filmed the proposal mocked the man for being ‘broke’, South Africa united to offer a dream wedding to the couple.

Overnight sensation

In the video clip, captured by Kateka Malobola and shared by KFC South Africa on Twitter on November 7, the couple can be seen enjoying their meals when the man goes down on one knee and pops the question.

Mzansi please help us find this beautiful couple, re batla ho ba blesser 😊 DM us any leads, there might be a Finger Lickin' Good surprise in it for you too. Batho ba Vaal re thuseng! We love love 😍❤️ #KFCProposal pic.twitter.com/6bj89dtj4j

— KFC South Africa (@KFCSA) November 7, 2019

Photo: Twitter

Digital sleuths

In what was one of the most heart-melting couple hunts in recent memory, the fast-food giant co-opted the micro-blogging site with its army of online detectives. The post has been retweeted over 20,000 times since and the hashtag #KFCProposal trended on the site.

The couple was tracked down on Friday, as pledges of support continued to pour in.

Later, the hashtag #StreetwiseWedding started trending with KFC and other brands promising the couple a dream wedding.

Bandwagon Effect

As strangers on Twitter started offering assistance to plan the big day, branded corporations also jumped on the bangwagon.

“Just like your chicken and our Coke® are the perfect pair, and we're all for bringing people together. The soft drinks for the wedding are on us!” tweeted South Africa’s official Coca Cola account.

Yay for ♥️! @KFCSA 😍

Just like your chicken and our Coke® are the perfect pair, and we're all for bringing people together.

The soft drinks for the wedding are on us! We'll keep an eye on our inbox for all the deats. 💍💌#KFCProposal https://t.co/cXW8AjTtEU

— Coca-Cola ZA (@CocaCola_ZA) November 8, 2019

“These honeymoon destinations look far. Someone needs to drive them there. We got you" tweeted South Africa’s official Audi account.

These honeymoon destinations look far. Someone needs to drive them there. We got you.😉 #KFCProposal https://t.co/oiOMWX48Zp

— audisouthafrica (@audisouthafrica) November 8, 2019

Travel site kulula.com has also vowed to gift the couple with a honeymoon in Cape Town.

Hey mzansi's favourite couple! Your honeymoon is on us! #kululaholidays are giving you a holiday in Cape Town, incl flights and 5 nights accommodation. ✈️🎉💚🏖️ #KFCProposal

— kulula (@kulula) November 8, 2019

The couple received offers of arranging the entire wedding, from drinks and food, to honeymoon destinations.

Huawei also threw in a gift for the couple, saying “Hey @KFCSA nothing moves us more than a story of love and as a result,we would like to send the #KFCProposal couple two devices to capture all of their memorable moments. Please get Hector and Nonhlanhla to DM us.”

Hey @KFCSA nothing moves us more than a story of love and as a result we would like to send the #KFCProposal couple two devices to capture all of their memorable moments. Please get Hector and Nonhlanhla to DM us. https://t.co/Etne2ulAOl

— Huawei Mobile SA (@HuaweiZA) November 8, 2019

International brands as well as South African companies have since pledged thousands of pounds for the wedding.

We love #KFCProposal ❤️ 💍💒
We’ll give you everything you need to start your new life & make your house a home.

Our Hero Assist bundle will keep you covered with Home, Roadside, Home Drive & Home Security Assist. PLUS a V-Home Starter kit, TV, Microwave, Smeg kettle & toaster!

— Vodacom (@Vodacom) November 8, 2019

https://twitter.com/castlelitesa/status/1192725206667866112

We like a man with a plan, Mr Kansi. We would like to pledge R5000 towards your lobola negotiations nabo Malume. #KFCProposal https://t.co/zvrYDRtL0a

— Lion Lager (@LionLagerSA) November 8, 2019

Alilililili 👰🏾🤵🏾. @KFCSA We would LOVE to be part of this beautiful love story 😍. Let us bless this union with a fully installed Explora and 12 months DStv Compact subscription 🙌🙌🏻🙌🏾.

Congratulations! ❤️ #KFCProposal https://t.co/Bw7p1H25fn

— DStv (@DStv) November 8, 2019

South African celebrity chef Lesego Semenya has said he is happy to make a signature wedding cake for the couple. Other generous people have offered to make the bride’s dress, pay for the groom’s suit and donate rings.

Guys is the sweetest story ever. Please dm me,my jewelry company will donate with these two beautiful rings worth R45000. They deserve Rose Gold with diamonds . #KFCProposal pic.twitter.com/yXmnUUCYQT

— BILLDORE💎 (@billydlamini) November 8, 2019

Dear #KFCProposal couple, we love your story! So much that we’re going to send you some #FirstLady Warwick Wines - which are a tribute to the wedding cup! - for your wedding! Call us: 021 8844410. #KFCWEDDING pic.twitter.com/VKOqdKCuFT

— Warwick Wine Estate (@warwickwine) November 8, 2019

Us at @VentsoGroup would like to make this moment incredible for the couple. We will appoint @ventsoproductions to supply stage, sound and lighting to the value of R15 000 for the wedding. Email: [e-mail]. Bathong! Re rata lerato! ❤️😍 #KFCProposal #KFCWEDDING https://t.co/ZsaSlPNqwA

— Dakairo Branding & Signage (@DakairoBranding) November 8, 2019