Hugely popular gospel singer Rebecca Malope believes the time is finally right for her to tie the knot.

The 44-year-old has always put the thought of marriage on the backburner, focusing solely on her career, but now that fiance Themba Tshabalala has walked into her life, Rebecca is eager to take the next step in her love life.

“I think I was also ready for a soul mate (to walk into my life),” Rebecca told Sowetan.

“I am not getting any younger – I am 44 years old. At the moment, we are giving ourselves time to know each other.”

Rebecca’s caution over marriage comes from years of abuse from her father, admitting that the person and time has to be right for her – unlike in the past.

She added: “My father was very abusive. Every time someone asked for my hand those episodes of violence started coming back to me.

“I would think that this person would change and become abusive like him.”

What do you make of Rebecca’s decision to be careful about marriage?