Paying the Bride Price: the African tradition of paying lobola

Historically, this enabled the two tribes to be allied in marriage, ensuring support and protection. In modern society, it brings the two families together, shows that the groom is capable of supporting his bride, and that the bride is valued by both families. In modern South Africa, lobola is still practiced, and is a proud tradition of South Africa’s black population. The lobola negotiations can take months, and is negotiated by the bride and groom’s extended family. Usually, the negotiators include the couple’s uncles, but can also include older brothers. Women are mostly side-lined, but can have advisory roles. The parents are consulted, but in some families they are not allowed to take part in the actual negotiations. <a href="https://medium.com/@emmafreylinck/paying-the-bride-price-the-african-tradition-of-paying-lobola-56f6cdbd4cde">Read More</a>