Applying for Portuguese Citizenship (Lisbon)

Good day,

I am South African and I have been married to my spouse since October Protected content we've been together since Sep Protected content . It has been over 3 years of marriage now.

I read on this website that: ( Protected content )
“You can acquire Portuguese citizenship through marriage after three years of marriage to a Portuguese citizen, or three years of cohabitation. There is no requirement for any prior period of residence in Portugal, although the applicant must provide documents proving an effective connection to the Portuguese community.”

This “Effective connection” that they speak about, can it be the annual trips (since Protected content been taking to Portugal on holiday? I also have certificates which showed I did classes for the Portuguese language and wrote exams (written and oral) and passed.

Your assistance will be much appreciated.

How do I even start with this? I have contacted the embassy but I am still waiting for a response.

Thanks
André