Podcast Edition HERE

One of the reasons the practice of lobola (the bride price) has lasted so long in Africa is because it has several commendable features.

The previous article defined and explained the practice of the bride price in Africa. This article discusses seven of lobola’s strengths. The next article will address the weaknesses of lobola.

1. Lobola Builds the Relationship Between the Two Families

Lobola can be an important way African families develop kinship together. In speaking of the benefits the Old Testament bride price brought to society, Paul Copan in Is God a Moral Monster? writes how it not only heightens the value of marriage but also shows the esteem the groom has for his bride:

The bride-price was the way a man showed his serious intentions toward his bride-to-be and it was a way of bringing two families together to discuss a serous, holy, and lifelong matter. Having sex with a young woman without the necessary preparations and formal ceremony cheapened the woman and sexuality. The process surrounding the bride-price reflected the honourable state of marriage. (p. 17)

2. Lobola Shows Gratitude to the Parents of the Bride

Since the groom’s family is getting something out of the marriage (the bride) and since she often moves in the groom’s direction, the payment of lobola is a way to return appreciation to the bride’s family, often through cattle or cash.

In fact, many say that if lobola has not been paid, regardless of the other ceremonies, the families will not recognize the marriage. I have known some families that would not even speak to the groom-to-be if he was unwilling to pay lobola. So severe was the offense, they wouldn’t even allow him on their property.

Should troubles arise later between this husband and wife, and should they need help or counsel from their parents, they will not find any support. The parents will say: “You were not willing to commit to the families with the lobola payment, don’t come to us now for help.” Often the families will still view the wife as “single” and “unmarried” if there was no lobola.

When the couple has children together and there is no lobola, the kids will often belong to the father of the wife and not their biological father. Moreover, he will often have less influence over the upbringing of his children. Continue reading →

Podcast edition HERE 

The bride price is to Africa what apple pie is to the United States. Lobola (or, the bride price) is as old as Africa itself.

But there is a great deal of variance from clan to clan, country to country and tribe to tribe. Because lobola is not a monolithic idea, here we will discuss the subject’s core components only.

What Is the Meaning of Lobola?

In the Tsonga language, ku lobola means to buy in marriage. Ku lobota means to accept lobola. It is essentially a bride price. But the word “lobola” has passed over into many other African languages. Crucial words in African culture often do not change from country to country, like “nyama” (meat).

Lobola is the payment of money or cows by a prospective son-in-law to the family of his future bride. Most often the groom pays, though sometimes the payment comes from the father and even perhaps in the future if the man has no money. In the past this was often paid with hoes and oxen. Most pay cash for lobola today. So lobola refers to the money given for a bride that the parents and extended family agree upon. Continue reading →