By: Poelano Malema
The tradition of paying lobola for a wife is common practice, especially amongst African families.
Although previously the bride price was paid using livestock, it has now changed to families asking for anything from R20,000 to over R100,000.
Lobola is paid by the groom to the bride’s family as a way of thanking them for raising the bride and showing that they will be able to take care of their daughter. It is also a way to seal the union between the bride and groom’s families.
However, as to whether this cultural practice is still relevant or not has been debatable, especially with the high rate of divorce happening.
Local musician Prince Kaybee has shared his opinion as to whether he believes this practice is still important.
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Why do people pay Lobola?
— K A B I L L I O N (@PrinceKaybee_SA) December 8, 2021
A Twitter user, Sosobala, asked if Prince Kaybee would give away his daughter to someone who doesn’t show any form of security or any means to cater for his wife and family?
Prince Kaybee answered: “There’s a lot of women married by rich men but they are not taken care of, you showing me how much you have doesn’t mean anything.”
He added that he doesn’t see the need for lobola.
“Secondly I wouldn’t want Lobola for my daughter, I don’t see the need for it,” he said.
READ: Prince Kaybee’s ‘girlfriend’ Zola Mhlonogo is expecting her first child
There’s a lot of women married by rich men but they are not taken care of, you showing me how much you have doesn’t mean anything, secondly I wouldn’t want Lobola for my daughter, I don’t see the need for it. https://t.co/175tDmshEX
— K A B I L L I O N (@PrinceKaybee_SA) December 8, 2021
So I read somewhere that some men take loans to pay Lobola, live trying to pay back the loan while paying for everything in the house then get divorced losing everything but debts. 35% of these men commit suicide.
— K A B I L L I O N (@PrinceKaybee_SA) December 8, 2021


