The couple will, for the first time, meet face to face at the altar.
The station has chosen to launch 2 Strangers & a wedding to introduce “a new way of thinking”, says Charlene Deacon, outgoing MD of Kaya. “We believe our listeners are ready for a set of new norms.”
People can tune in to the Phat Joe morning show to listen as entrants are narrowed down to five potential grooms and brides. They will be short-listed by thorough background, personality and compatibility testing.
Deacon says, listeners’ votes will be taken into consideration when choosing the groom. He will talk to his five prospective brides, choose one and propose – all on air. The bride and groom will meet, for the first time, at their sponsored R500,000-wedding.
Once at the altar, the couple will still have the option of backing out, says Deacon. “We can’t force two people to get married. If they decide not to wed, the wedding reception will continue as planned. We will turn it into one big party.”
Entrants have to meet specific criteria. Deacon says, only people over the age of 25 and those who have agreed to undergo all the necessary tests, including an HIV test, a criminal and credit check will be accepted.
“It’s not fair to say that gay people can’t enter, but we are specifically looking for a male-female couple,” she says.
Entry forms will be available in the Sowetan, at the Wedding Expo, taking place this weekend, and at !_LT_U href=”https://www.kayafm.co.za/” target=_blank mce_href=”https://www.kayafm.co.za/frontpage.php”www.kayafm.co.za!_LT_/U.
■This is an updated version of the story first published as “Strangers get hitched on radio”.
