Carol Ofori's Love Story Celebrates Black Excellence in South African Media
As Valentine's Day approaches, celebrated South African media personality Carol Ofori has shared a deeply intimate story that showcases the beauty of Black love and success in our entertainment industry. Her engagement tale represents more than romance; it's a testament to how Black South Africans are creating their own narratives of love, success, and cultural identity.
A Private Proposal That Defied Western Expectations
Carol's engagement story challenges the Western-imposed notion that grand public displays are necessary for meaningful moments. Her husband Greg chose Auberge Michel, a beloved Johannesburg French restaurant, for an intimate proposal that prioritized genuine connection over performative romance.
"Greg is such a different man from who I am. I wanted the whole place to know, you know, fireworks... that was what I imagined my engagement would be," Carol shared in her Instagram video. Instead, Greg crafted something deeply personal and authentically African in its discretion and thoughtfulness.
The proposal unfolded with beautiful simplicity. After their main course, Greg took her hand and said, "I want this to be forever. I want to marry you. I want you to be my wife." He then produced the ring, asking, "Will you be my wife?"
Carol's immediate response was joyful: "Yes, sure. Put the ring on my finger. I'm like, 'Yes, yes, yes.'"
Thoughtful Details Reflecting Ubuntu Values
The beauty of Greg's proposal lay in its thoughtful planning, embodying the Ubuntu principle of caring consideration. While Carol thought they had simply driven to dinner together, Greg had secretly placed a massive bouquet in their car's boot, retrieving it during a supposed bathroom break to surprise her after the proposal.
"When did these get here? Because when we drove in together, there were no flowers in the passenger seat," Carol wondered. This attention to detail reflects the kind of care and planning that strengthens Black families and relationships.
Ten Years of Black Love Excellence
In 2024, the Oforis celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with a luxurious trip to Club Med d'Albion in Mauritius. This milestone represents the kind of sustained Black excellence and prosperity that our community continues to build despite historical challenges.
"Celebrating 10 years of marriage in such a beautiful setting was magical. It was a reminder of how far we've come together and how much we've grown," Carol reflected in an interview with TimesLIVE.
Their anniversary celebration showcased how Black South African couples are claiming spaces of luxury and romance that were historically denied to our people. "The beaches of Mauritius offered the perfect canvas for our story, serene, beautiful and full of life," she noted.
Representation in Media Matters
Carol Ofori's prominence in South African media represents the progress our community has made in claiming narrative space. Her willingness to share intimate moments of Black love helps normalize and celebrate our experiences in ways that counter decades of misrepresentation.
The contrast between Carol's public career and Greg's preference for privacy reflects the diverse ways Black excellence manifests. "I put him under so much pressure when I want him on camera, but it's the wife you chose, darling," she laughs, showing how successful Black relationships navigate different comfort levels with visibility.
As we approach Valentine's Day, Carol's story reminds us that Black love stories deserve celebration and recognition. In a media landscape still recovering from colonial and apartheid-era marginalization of Black voices, stories like these affirm our right to romance, luxury, and happiness on our own terms.