JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Security was tight during South African President Jacob Zuma's wedding on Monday, with journalists barred from getting closer to his home in Nkandla, according to the South African Press Association.

"We have deployed extra police officers to make sure that the event goes smoothly as planned," said police director Phindile Radebe.

She said the event warranted extra policing.

Business people, politicians and celebrities were among those who descended on Zuma's home to see the president tie the knot with his fifth wife, Thobeka Madiba, on Monday afternoon.

In a statement released on Sunday, the presidency urged the media to stay away, as it would be "a private family ceremony."

Journalists who had been camping near Zuma's home since the early morning were, however, expected to be allowed to attend the ceremony.

Zuma married Nompumelelo MaNtuli-Zuma in the same place in 2007.

A large marquee was erected to accommodate guests, while several goats and sheep were slaughtered for the feast.

The president's other wives are Sizakele Khumalo, whom he married in 1973; and Nompumelelo MaNtuli-Zuma, whom he married in 2007.

He was also married to current Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, whom he divorced in 1998; and Kate Mantsho Zuma, who committed suicide in 2000.

Zuma is the father of 18 children.

He is also engaged to Gloria Bongi Ngema from Durban. Her family presented umbondo (gifts) to the Zuma family at the end December 2009.

Umbondo is the last Zulu traditional ceremony before the wedding. It was done after ilobolo had been paid.

It was not known when Zuma would tie the knot with Ngema

JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma's homestead in rural Kwa Zulu-Natal province was a hive of activity this week as he prepared to tie the knot with his fifth wife Thobeka Mabhija on Monday, the Sunday Times newspaper in Johannesburg reported.