Did you know lobola and lobolo mean the same thing in South Africa?
Lobola ceremonies have been held in many South African communities for centuries.
In the past, the approach was pretty traditional.
Two couples during their lobolo ceremonies. Photo: Photo: @mmantshu, @the_wedding_influenzar (modified by author)Source: UGC
Some things have since changed.
Many South African couples spend months planning the perfect lobola ceremonies.
The custom was incorporated into South African law after independence.
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It is now governed under the Recognition of Customary Marriages, 1998 (Act 120 of 1998).
What is lobola in South Africa?
During a lobola ceremony,bridewealth orbride price is paid to the bride’s family.
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Meaning of lobola
Lobolameans bride price.
Today, many people are opting for cash.
Origin
A look at the history of lobolo shows it started in 300 BC.
A picture of three colours. Photo: @Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
At the time, it was a token of appreciation given to a bride to build her home.
It also symbolised unity and harmony between two families, i.e.
the groom’s and the bride’s.
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Traditionally, the token of appreciation was issued in theform of cattle, especially cows.
Lobola prices
There is no fixed lobolo price.
However, each community has guidelines for how many cows or money is acceptable.
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Generally, the number of cows issued is considered the worth of the new bride.
In the past, different factors were considered before paying bridewealth, e.g.
age and child(ren).
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Before the bride price ceremony, negotiations are made.
The negotiation prowess of the representatives determines the final decision.
In modern-age society, people can easily access a lobola calculator online.
A traditional Zulu man. Photo:@Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
The calculator can give you an estimate.
However, the final decision lies in the conclusions made on the negotiation desk.
The end of the negotiations confirms the union of the soon-to-be bride and groom and their families.
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The letter should be polite and genuine.
It is usually presented to the girl’s family by a trusted member of the grooms family.
In the past, letters would be sent through the mail.
They then write a response letter to the brides family.
The letter indicates when they would like the grooms family members to visit.
Some response letters will tell the man’s family what to bring or what to expect.
However, most cultures do not go into detail.
The groom-to-be can ask the bride-to-be what to expect.
Usually, a percentage of the bridewealth is paid during the negotiations.
Usually, tastytraditional mealsare prepared.
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What happens at a lobola?
After the negotiations, the date for the lobola ceremony is set.
During the celebrations, plenty of meat is served.
Delicious traditional meals are also served.
Usually, it is the grooms family that throws a party to welcome the new bride.
The activities conducted on this special day may vary from culture to culture.
Many couples hold a white or church wedding ceremony after lobola.
Lobola dresses
The traditional attire for lobola varies from one community to another.
Normally, people wear traditional outfits which are colourful and celebratory.
Brides and their maids normally show up in elegant and fashionable outfits made of fabric with traditional prints.
The Tswana community is known for blue outfits.
Some couples may choose other colours for the day.
InZulu culture,makotimeans a newlywed woman or bride.
Themakotilobola attire is normally colourful.
It features colourful beads.
Some men also prefer to wear traditionalZuluoutfits.
Others choose to have African-themed modern outfits.
What does paying lobola mean?
In mostSouth African communities, paying lobola means one is officially off the market.
It shows a man has committed himself to a woman.
Does lobola mean you are married?
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Lobola itself is not marriage.
However, it is a part ofthe processof getting married under customary law.
Who takes lobola money?
The woman’s family receives lobola money in respect of custom.
Lobola ceremonies in present-day South Africa are colourful events.
Over the years, South Africa has become a favourite tourist destination for travellers from across the globe.
People visit to witness its diverse culture, rich history, and natural landscapes.
He graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria.
He has curated the facts and life hacks category since 2018.
Dr Favour is the author of several books available on Amazon.
He currently lives in Nigeria.
She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelors degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University.
Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle.
In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques.
She received the Writer of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024.
In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course.
Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
