Notwithstanding the fact that the genesis of lobola was meant to be a token of appreciation; the contemporary in- laws are using it as a revenue generator . The framers of our culture introduced the concept of lobola in uberrima fides ( utmost good faith) . The primacy of lobola was to cement the relationship between the two families . Consequently, fortifying the marriage between the husband and the wife .
The contemporary phenomenon is further from what the framers of our culture had on mind. It has now been reduced to the commodification, marketization and commercialization of women . Exorbitant prices are now being charged . Consequently reducing women to commodities . It’s not a token of appreciation to pay $20 thousand US dollars for lobola .
As long as lobola exists , it’s practically impossible to talk of gender parity in a family set up . By virtue of paying lobola , the husband automatically has comparative advantage over the wife. Ironically, lobola is contemporarily doing the oppose of what the framers of our culture had on their minds .
Regrettably, because of these exorbitant prices , men feel they own their wives . In the event that the woman cheats on the man , he feels he lost his money . When someone pays for anything , they feel they have the tittle deeds . Regrettably, that’s how lobola has been reduced to !
In the event that the wife expires before the husband finishes to pay the exorbitant price, the in- laws will refuse to bury their daughter until the outstanding money is paid . In fact , it becomes even more expensive to bury the dead. Is this the definition of “ a token of appreciation “?
Greediness and unprecedented cupidity has compromised the sanctity of lobola !
Given this reality should lobola be regulated by the government?
