Sunny and Nira Singh from Bakerville Gardens in Newlands share the heartwarming story of their 53-year marriage that began with phone calls and blossomed into an enduring love story. They also reflect on the day they became models for the POST.
Sunny, 75, who has been a financial advisor for 46 years, said their relationship was unique.
"In matric, while doing my homework, I came across an article in the POST where Nira was looking for pen-pals from overseas. I then sent the article to a relative, who was studying overseas, and asked him to write to her.
"A few months later, I asked my relative what came of it. He wrote to Nira but she did not write back. He said I should phone and find out what happened, which I did. She answered. We spoke and thereafter my calls to her became frequent. We were phone pals for four months. I eventually came up with an excuse to visit her home. I wanted to deliver an invitation to her family to my elder brother's wedding," said Sunny.
On December 19, 1969, they met in-person for the first time - for their first date.
“At exactly 1pm, I saw Nira and it was love at first sight. It is a moment I will never forget. Our first date was at a restaurant in town. We had coffee. I cannot remember what we spoke about but I just looked at her because I was mesmerised. I was supposed to pick up my brother from work but I forgot about him because I was enjoying her company. I eventually escorted her back to the bus rank and that sealed my fate. I knew I would marry her,” said Sunny.
The couple dated for three years before they married on August 13, 1972, at the David Landau Hall in Asherville.
“About 300 people attended our wedding. Our special day was filled with love and happiness."
The couple had three children and five grandchildren.
He said to make a marriage work, couples must be honest with each other and never go to bed angry.
"While the man is supposedly the head and the wife is the neck, we make decisions together. My wife has made my life even better. I would definitely remarry her for the next 7 lifetimes."
Nira, 72, a housewife, said: “When he arrived to invite us to his brother's wedding, I knew it was an excuse. He wore powder blue pants and a matching shirt, and sunglasses. He came in with a purpose. I instantly knew this was the man for me. Even after all the years, we have been together, he has never let our relationship falter. It’s a plus that we both love singer Cliff Richard."
The couple enjoy date nights and holding hands.
"Men, here is some advice. Treat the lady in your life special. Open the door for her and always smile. My Sunny is still a gentleman."
She said marriage was "an institution" and that the bond should be respected.
“It is important to observe the marriage vows and respect each other. Saying 'sorry' does not mean you are guilty. These days, with the high levels of divorce, I think more people need to live together and then marry instead of marry and then make it work."
The couple share another passion - reading the POST.
"I was chosen to appear in an advert for the POST. Sunny escorted me to the location for the photoshoot. After this was done, I requested the photographer do a picture of Sunny and me. That picture appeared in the POST in April 1992. We became POST models.
“We have been subscribing to the paper for 30 years. We read the paper every Wednesday because we love to know what is happening in the community,” said Nira.
The couple plan to visit their daughter in Canada soon.