The proposal was set up as follows: the lovebirds got into the two safety vehicles, but before approaching the start line the car did a burnout.
The newly engaged lovebirds, Mandla Dambuza and Cwenga Manakaza. Photo: Carlo Coetzee
Love was in the air at this year’s Simola Hillclimb as lovebirds Mandla Dambuza and Cwenga Manakaza became engaged at the start line of the iconic course, amid smoke bombs and cheers from organising staff.
Mandla and Cwenga returned to Knysna last week after visiting earlier this year. Both had fallen in love with the town and Mandla thought it would be the best place to propose to his girlfriend.
He reached out to Visit Knysna for assistance and together they put together the memorable proposal at the Hillclimb.
According to Visit Knysna, Cwenga had no idea – she thought she was only getting a chance to experience the track in one of the safety vehicles.
The proposal was set up as follows: the lovebirds got into the two safety vehicles, but before approaching the start line the car did a burnout.
The guests were told that there was something wrong with the vehicle and they needed to step out.
Sharing a kiss in the Hillclimb’s pit area.
This was when Mandla brought Cwenga to the start line and dropped down onto one knee to pop the all-important question – to which she thankfully said yes. This was followed by pink smoke grenades, after which the newly engaged couple jumped back into the vehicles to experience the course.
They were able to walk around the pit area after the ride before they enjoyed a picnic lunch at Simola, taking in the views and listening to the sound of the cars racing up the hill.
Mandla Dambuza places the engagement ring onto the finger of his new fiancée, Cwenga Manakaza.
The newly engaged couple enjoying the Hillclimb’s pit area.
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