‘Always honour your Zulu customs’
A 42-year-old, who moved to Mohlakeng in 2002, spoke to the Herald about Inhlawulo – a fine or damages paid in Zulu culture – and why it is important to adhere to it.
To Bongumusa Madlala, who hails from eMzikulu in KwaZulu-Natal, it does not matter where he finds himself in the world, he believes as a Zulu man he should always honour his traditions and customs.
The 42-year-old, who moved to Mohlakeng in 2002, spoke to the Herald about Inhlawulo – a fine or damages paid in Zulu culture – and why it is important to adhere to it. Bongumusa elaborated that Inhlawulo is a penalty paid when a young man impregnates a young woman out of wedlock. The payment is in cash or a cow; depending on the family’s preference.
It may also be done when a man who wishes to marry a woman starts the lobola process, or it is paid when a woman who still lives with her parents falls pregnant. In the latter case it is paid to the girl’s family,” Bongumusa explained.
He added that the payment is made so that the family of the young lady do not impose any restrictions, such as preventing the man from visiting the child as he may wish.
Adhering to this custom will appease the ancestors on both sides.
“Before the payment is made, relatives of the young man may be sent to confirm that their young man has fathered the child. They have to inspect the child to make sure it was fathered by one of the man’s family,” Bongumusa said.
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He said the price may be between R8 000 and R10 000. As soon as they are convinced that the child was fathered by their own, the Inhlawulo process may then take place.
Bongumusa went on to say once the payment has been made, the child may take the surname of the father – this depends on whether the man intends on marrying the mother, or whether the child simply will carry the surname as an heir.
What follows is a ceremony called iMbeleko in which an animal is slaughtered and a wrist band is made out of the animal’s hide as a symbol to bind the child to both their paternal and maternal ancestry.
“It is important to do this because the child will have no spiritual issues, as they would’ve been introduced properly to their bloodline,” Bongumusa said.
