What is the process of lobola negotiations?

There is an organised process that lobola ceremony follows, and that begins with scheduling a meeting by the groom family with the bride’s family. After that, the groom’s representatives would convey the information to the groom that he either has to agree to or beg his uncles to negotiate on his behalf.

What comes first engagement or lobola?

For those who prefer that the lobola negotiations come first, it could be because it is believed that, that is how one asks for a person’s hand in marriage before proposing. So, in essence, the cows come home before anyone gets down on one knee.

Where does the lobola take place?

South African
The practice of paying “Lobola” (or Lobolo) as part of the marriage process is a tradition in many South African cultures including Xhosa, Zula, Swazi and Ndebele. Lobola is essentially the “bride price” that the prospective groom must pay to the bride’s family in order to enter into marriage.

How much is a reasonable lobola?

A price of 11 cows, or about $7,000, is considered fair for someone who has finished school and is a virgin, according to the Lobola Calculator app, which was created as a joke but is used by some men to estimate an offer.

How many cows are in a lobola?

It is generally accepted that 10 cows, at a minimum, are required in a lobola within the Xhosa and Zulu cultures, however, differing customs within various regions may contribute in determining this amount, as well as the value of each cow.

Does paying lobola mean you are married?

Firstly, the Act defines lobolo as “property in cash or in-kind which a prospective husband or the head of his family undertakes to give to the head of the prospective wife’s family in consideration of a customary marriage.” There is no doubt that lobolo is one of the essential requirements in terms of section 3(1)(b) …

How many cows are required for lobola?

10 cows
It is generally accepted that a minimum of 10 cows, or their cash equivalent, is a good starting point in the lobola discussions. According to the Nguni Cattle Breeders Society, a cow costs, on average, R9 000.

Is lobola in the Bible?

Lobola symbolises, as the Bible says, that the two are now one flesh and nothing should separates them (Gen. 2:24, Mat. 19:5, Mark 10:8 and Eph. 5:31) and wish to live a life full of love, respect, joy and happiness (cf Mark 10:9; Ephesians 4:2–3; Colossians 3:14 and Ephesians 5:25–33).

What the Bible says about lobola?

Exodus 22:16-17 says that a man must pay dowry: “If he has sex with a woman whether he marries her or not. … a woman can claim compensation if a man promises to marry and later rescinds his decision”. and you see that more often men say “She is my wife, I paid lobola and I should do as I please with her.”

How much is lobola for a Zulu girl?

According to the Nguni Cattle Breeders Society, a cow costs, on average, R9 000. So assuming that the bride’s and groom’s families agree on 10 cows, the groom’s family will have to pay lobola of R90 000. But this amount might not seal the deal, because, depending on your cultural background, there are other costs.

What Bible says about lobola?

Is lobola really necessary?

However, many still value the payment of lobola and believe it’s a necessary practice in African culture. “Paying lobola is extremely important because it not only joins you and your spouse together but your families and ancestors as well. Lobola creates strong bonds among families.

What’s the purpose of the Sepedi lobola group?

The purpose of the group is to have meaningful conversations about weddings in general, traditions, culture, expectations and life after getting married. It’s also a place where you can ask suppliers questions or ask for recommendations if you’re planning a wedding. Click here to join the community.

What is the origin of the custom of lobola?

THE traditional custom of lobola, also known as “bride-price” or “bride-worth”, may sometimes be misunderstood by western eyes but in African culture, it is a ritual that helps to bring two families closer together, writes Octayvia Nance. Lobola negotiation is an age-old tradition where a man pays the family of his fiance for her hand in marriage.

Can a woman be part of the lobola process?

The negotiations will still be face to face however. In some cultures, the lobola process is handled by uncles from the future bride and groom, and no women are allowed. Sometimes, as was the case with Thabo and Mpho, aunties are allowed and have equal say.

How is the lobola payment used in Africa?

“Many years ago the lobola payment was in cattle as cattle were the primary symbol of wealth in African society. “However, today modern couples have switched to using cash,” Zaka said. Some families even use electronic transfers and credit cards as a form of payment.