An eight-year-old schoolboy has ‘married’ a 61-year-old woman in Tshwane, South Africa.
Sanele Masilela tied the knot with Helen Shabangu, who is already married and a mother of five.
Sanele said he married Helen in accordance with the wishes of his dead ancestors, a message his family took so seriously they provided Helen with £500 and paid a further £1,000 for the celebration.
Scroll down for more pictures from their big day
Sealed with a kiss: Sanele Masilela and Helen Shabangu on their wedding day
Dressed in a bow tie and tiny silver suit, Sanele, the youngest of five children, exchanged rings in front of 100 guests and even exchanged a kiss with his new bride.
It’s already shocked the community but the family has defended the ceremony, saying it is a ritual and not legally binding.
Sanele’s 46-year-old mum, Patience Masilela said: “This is the first time this has happened in the family.
“Sanele is named after his grandfather, who was never had a white wedding before he died so asked Sanele to get married. He chose Helen because he loves her.
“By doing this we made the ancestors happy. If we hadn’t done what my son had asked then something bad would have happened in the family.
“I didn’t have a problem with it because I know it’s what the ancestors wanted and it would make them happy.”
The widow, who works at a recycling centre, added: “I would say that this is not wrong.
“Sanele was fine and he was happy about the ceremony and it was what he wanted. He was happy to get married and very excited.”
The ceremony is ritual and not legally binding, with both parties having since returned to their 'normal' lives
Sanele and his bride did not sign a marriage certificate and do not have to live together. Both have gone back to their normal lives.
Sanele today said he hoped he would have a "proper" wedding to a woman his own age when he was older.
He added: “I told my mother that I wanted to get married because I really did want to.
“I’m happy that I married Helen – but I will go to school and study hard.
“When I’m older I will marry a lady my own age.”
Despite being old enough to be his grandmother, bride Helen, whose children are aged between 37 and 27, was happy with the arrangement.
Helen, who also works at a recycling centre, said: “I'm married and have five kids of my own, but I know that this is what the ancestors wanted - and now they are happy. It is a ritual. We are just playing now, but it is a sign that he will get married one day.”
Her husband of 30 years, Alfred, 65, said: “My kids and I are happy.
The builder added: “We don’t have problems with it but some of the community members were shocked.”