MR. GAY NAMIBIA MARRIES BOYFRIEND IN JOBURG

Ricardo Raymond Amunjera, the reigning Mr. Gay Namibia, has married his boyfriend, Botswana business manager Marc Omphemetse Themba, in Johannesburg.

The couple met online through Facebook when Themba saw Amunjera’s picture and contacted him. 

At first, Amunjera, who is a mining Geotechnical Supervisor, ignored the messages but when he eventually replied the romance blossomed.

Earlier this month, the couple travelled to South Africa – the only African country to have legalised same-sex marriage – to tie the knot.

“Ricardo is the first meaningful relationship of my life,” Themba – who will be relocating to Namibia to build a life with his husband – told Botswana’s The Voice. “He’s a beautiful shy person. He sometimes comes across as fierce, but he’s a sweetie.”

Dithapelo Sibona, the woman who raised Themba after his parents died, is supportive of the relationship. “That is how God created him, so people out there should accept him the way he is,” she said.

The couple celebrated their marriage and Amunjera’s 30th birthday with a reception at Windhoek’s Hilton Hotel last weekend.

While homosexuality is criminalised under sodomy and ‘unnatural offences’ laws in their home countries, the men are hopeful that matters will improve.

“Attitudes are slowing changing,” said Themba. “Maybe one day the law will too.”

Amunjera was crowned Mr. Gay Namibia in December last year. He is the second Namibian to hold the title.