“Do Not Come to Our Wedding”: VusuThando Bars Bulawayo Journalists Over Past Snub
Cycling couple Thando Tshuma and Vusi Mkandla, popularly known as VusuThando, have stirred fierce debate after publicly declaring that Bulawayo journalists will not be welcome at their upcoming wedding in Zimbabwe — a decision they say stems from past media neglect.
The couple made the remarks during a livestream on Sunday while discussing their recent traditional wedding in Botswana and plans for a formal celebration back home.
In the viral video, the couple responded to fan questions about their guest list, making it clear that only those who had supported them throughout their journey would be invited.
“Guys, there are people who are going to get an invitation to our big wedding. Only those who have supported us are invited.
“If you are a journalist, just know that you are not invited. Journalists, news reporters, and other media houses, please, guys, we do not want you,” they said.
Thando was more direct, stating: “If you are a journalist from Bulawayo, do not contact us, do not come to our wedding
“We do not need you. We do not want journalists in our things.”
Vusi echoed her sentiments, accusing journalists of being opportunistic.
“The time when we were trending in Bulawayo, a lot of journalists contacted us after we arrived from Kenya, and they wrote some stories about us, which we appreciated. But the time we needed them to publish something important to us, they never did.
“The thing with journalists is they only want something they can sell.”
The couple said their frustration stems from a show they hosted in Bulawayo, where they claim local media and creatives failed to support them.
They contrasted this with their experience in Botswana, where they said they received overwhelming support from both the public and journalists.
“The time when we were in Botswana, the people there treated us like their own.
“They really took good care of us, which is why we did something special and decided to get married when we were in Francistown. A lot of journalists there took an interest,” Vusi said.
Thando doubled down on her message, adding:
“To be specific, if you are a journalist from Bulawayo, do not contact us, do not come to our wedding. This is the truth. We do not need you.”
The couple also took aim at some Bulawayo creatives, accusing them of arrogance and dismissiveness towards their journey.
Despite their criticism, it is worth noting that when the couple embarked on their cycling tour to Kenya, Chronicle and other Zimpapers publications such as Sunday News provided extensive coverage of their journey.
Upon their arrival in Bulawayo via Harare, the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub continued to offer updates on their progress and activities.
While distancing themselves from the media, the couple emphasised that their fans remain central to their celebration.
“This is to our esteemed fans who have been wishing us well to get married. Fans are welcome to witness and celebrate our big day,” they said.
Currently, Thando and Vusi are en route to Nigeria via Angola as part of their ongoing African cycling expedition.
