Lobola Negotiations & Process
How lobola negotiations typically unfold in South Africa — the approach, the delegations, the discussion of the bride-price, and the celebration. Customs vary by culture, family and region; choose a tradition below.
Lobola in Lobola in Zulu Culture (Ilobolo) culture
Among the Zulu, lobola (ilobolo) is far more than a payment. It is the formal joining of two families (ukwakha ubuhlobo)…
Lobola in Lobola in Xhosa Culture (Ikhazi / Ukulobola) culture
For the Xhosa, lobola (ikhazi) cements an alliance between two families and honours the bride's upbringing. Cattle remai…
Lobola in Lobola in Venda Culture (Thakha / Mamalo) culture
Among the Vhavenda, the marriage exchange is known as thakha or mamalo. As elsewhere, it binds two families and thanks t…
Lobola in Lobola in Pedi Culture (Magadi) culture
Among the Bapedi (Northern Sotho), the marriage exchange is called magadi. It unites two families and shows gratitude to…
Lobola in Lobola in Sotho Culture (Mahadi / Bohali) culture
Among the Basotho (Southern Sotho), the marriage exchange is called mahadi, sometimes bohali. It joins two families and …
Lobola in Lobola in Tswana Culture (Bogadi) culture
Among the Batswana, the marriage exchange is called bogadi. It binds two families together and thanks the bride's family…
Lobola in Lobola in Ndebele Culture culture
Among the Ndebele, lobola joins two families and honours the bride's upbringing, traditionally measured in cattle. As in…