Lobola

Lobola
Earlier on Sunday 15/2 I had picked up a hitchhiker who told me he had to pay 11 cows for his girlfriend before he could marry her. Thus far he had paid for five and was struggling to get another six on R2000 (A$350) per month as a toll collector. He did not support lobola which is The young detective from Joburg had a different view. He also had to pay 11 cows but suggested by working hard it showed the family of the prospective bride he was worthy of her.. As I was to learn the next day however this is a means of keeping women enslaved.
Christine Mennell had a number of women she worked with at Isibani who were abused not only by their husbands but by inlaw who tended to view them as slave. One of the volunteers from Isibani proudly told me her lobola (paid to her family) was 11 cows because she was a virgin. Apparently girls are tested to confirm their status so prospective husbands get what they paid for. This is still strong amongst the Zulus but declining amongst other groups in SA.