Would you rather accept COWS or MONEY for Lobola?
So why is Lobola important among the African culture?
We interviewed senior citizens in Soweto to hear their thoughts about the significance of Lobola. It is also clear from their argument that a lot of things have changed over the years.
Jennifer Moatshe [translation]
Lobola is a cultural way of uniting two families, making them one. For instance, when Lobola has been paid, the two families can now work together, on ceremonies, weddings etc. Because they are now one family.
And again, a man is now allowed to just come in if he wishes to see his woman, he doesn’t have to wait at the gate or corner anymore because he was formally introduced to the family.
Pinkie Dube [translation]
We all want our daughters to be married at some point in life but we need to align ourselves wisely with our customs in order to build a good relationship with the other family. In our culture, that can be done through Lobola.
What I don’t like about Lobola is that some families tend to overcharge, it is concerning because some families will charge you a ridiculous amount of money you can’t afford. That’s why our daughters think that we are selling them, it is because of the abnormal prices we charge.
Dikeledi Motshedi [translation]
Lobola is very important. It’s part of our culture. In the olden days, we’d only exchange cows, but things have changed drastically. Nowadays everything is about money – which is why Lobola is settled through money.
Nnyana Mokemane [translation]
Lobola is very important. Why? You can’t just decide to go and stay with a man without being formally introduced to his family and him being introduced to your family for the two families to be united.
In our culture, we do this through Lobola which is a way of thanking the woman who gave birth to the woman you wish to marry. We can’t just give our daughter away.
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