Meet the South African interracial couple which went viral with YouTube engagement

Samuel Varrie and Tshepiso Mathole made a video and posted it on YouTube. The video has been viewed almost 50,000 times - and it has a very special ending.

Samuel sat Tshepi down, making her think that they were making a video for their two-year anniversary. He gave her a file with the story of their relationship and got her to read it out loud.

After highlighting their whole relationship, he took her to a spot where he popped the question.

But it wasn’t a complete surprise as Samuel wanted it done right by customary law - which meant Tshepiso's uncles had already made Samuel's intentions known to her.

As is the norm with lobola negotiations, Tshepiso was phoned by her uncles to make sure that she wanted to marry Samuel.

HERE IS THEIR STORY

Samuel and Tshepi met at residence while at university. They met at Tuks village. They both studied law. Tshepi did straight law and Samuel studied a BCom degree. Tshepi is currently a candidate attorney while Samuel is finishing up this year – hopefully.

Samuel was born in Bethlehem in the Free State and grew up in Tzaneen. Tshepi grew up in Skukuza in the Kruger National Park.

They met a few years ago. They were on the residence house committee together. Neither of them can remember how they actually met. They studied together and after being friends for two years they started dating.

There was a conversation in Samuel’s family. His mom asked if he’d ever considered dating a black woman and he said no. His mom said “what if God wanted you to date a black woman” and Samuel’s response was: “God doesn’t control those things.”

Later on in the year after Tshepi and Samuel hadn’t spoken in a while, they caught up after Samuel ran for chairperson and Tshepi ran for vice-chair – they both got it.

This is where the flame started. They were really great friends and then Samuel actually considered a relationship with her. After this, he fell hard for Tshepi. Samuel’s family was very cool with it and very excited. Samuel’s parents are pastors who had worship leaders at home who were an inter-racial couple. Samuel’s parents were prepared for the struggles. But it wasn’t a big deal.

Tshepi’s mom first thought it was only a fling. Her mom was hesitant to meet Samuel because in their culture you only meet the parents if you are serious.

They ambushed Tshepi’s mom once when she came to visit Tshepi at res. This is where Samuel first met. Samuel calls her ma’Lerato out of respect.

HOW WILL LOBOLA WORK?

Tshepi’s family is meeting in Soweto at the weekend to kick-off the negotiations. Their family will discuss if they are happy with Samuel marrying Tshepi and then decide on a negotiation team.

Samuel says Tshepi is guiding him on the customary law but Samuel also discussed it with his law lecturer.

Samuel’s family had to write a letter to Tshepi’s family notifying her family of his intention to marry Tshepi. After this weekend they will reply with another letter. They are expecting the negotiations to kick-off some time in December.

They don’t have an actual wedding date. They were hoping to get married in May but they’ll probably do both weddings in July. Traditional wedding as well as a white wedding.

Samuel says he is fine but when it all started he was very nervous. He says when marrying a white girl it is much easier.

He also spoke to Tshepi’s mom and because Samuel is white they will compromise on certain traditions and rules. He has already met the elders of Tshepi’s family – which is normally not allowed.

Samuel says he posted their story on the #ImStaying group on Facebook in order to “normalise” inter-racial relationships.

He wants to break down stereotypes.

Samuel grew up in a very strict house where him and his brothers were not allowed to date. Samuel says Tshepi is the first girl he ever dated. He doesn’t think he is a hopeless romantic – but the video speak otherwise.