CAPE TOWN – The grandson of the renowned South African leader Nelson Mandela has tied the know earlier this month, reportedly after reverting to Islam in 2015.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Rabia’s parents, her extended family and the Muslim community, for welcoming me into their hearts,” Nkosi Zwelivelile ‘Mandla’ Mandela said in a statement cited by News 24.

Mandla confirmed his union to Rabia Clarke on Sunday, February 7, after news of the ceremony sparked comments on a Facebook page.

The announcement was followed by a statement from Mandela himself.

“I am honored and delighted to announce my marriage to Rabia Clarke, in Cape Town, on 6 February 2016.

“Although Rabia and I were raised in different cultural and religious traditions, our coming together reflects what we have in common: We are South Africans,” he added.

According to reports, Mandla, the chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council, reverted to Islam about two months ago.

The demographics of South Africa encompass about 52 million people of diverse origins, cultures, languages, and religions; Muslims comprise just over 1.5 percent of the population according to the CIA World Factbook.

The last census was held in 2011, the next one is slated to take place anywhere between 2016–2021.