By: Natasha Archary
There isn’t a fixed rate for lobola, but if there was, how would that rate be decided? That’s the question posed on Midday Joy this afternoon.
Traditionally, lobola is not just a proposal but a promise to the woman’s family that she is now “booked” to be married.
For some families the lobola is a means to secure their financial standings, with the groom paying in either cows or cash depending on which the bride’s family prefers.
The cost is determined by the bride’s father and in his absence, will be decided by her other male family members.
As much as it’s a centuries-old custom, lobola can put a strain on families who don’t have the means.
Families who are not wealthy or who did not plan properly to have money saved, may be why some proposals are prolonged, at times for years.
Add to this, the cost of other marital expenses, such as rings, the traditional and white wedding ceremonies, weddings can be an expensive affair.
Listen to the conversation on Midday Joy:
Fixed rate for lobola
There are many reasons why there isn’t a fixed rate for lobola, this includes, the cost of oxen and cows is not fixed.
Some families consider “how much” a man loves his future bride by the amount he’s willing to pay her family. While some couples choose to marry without lobola, this is rare.
Apart from cattle or livestock and cash, some families may also require land as part of their daughter’s lobola. Doing so ensures the household’s can prosper beyond just what money can provide.
Many families view lobola as a means to secure investment opportunities as well, and the negotiations around lobola customs are changing.
There are also times the lobola contract is not formally fulfilled, when a groom fails to honour the payment in full.
Full payment may take anywhere between 10 to 20-years and until that payment is made. Lobola or bridewealth exchange, does exercise control over both men and women.
While men are able to maintain a certain amount of control through the transactions, women have far fewer options.
These are some of the reasons why lobola cannot be fixed at a certain rate.
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