Acknowledgement
Contents
Notes on Contributors
Chapter 1: Introduction
Challenging an Old Practice: Critiques of Lobola
Chapters of the Book
Bibliography
Part I: History and Background of Lobola
Chapter 2: No to Bride Price/Bride Wealth, Yes to Roora: Investigating the Meaning, Function and Purpose of Roora as a Ritual
Introduction
Post-Colonial Theory
Roora: A Brief History
Sceptics and Heretics on Roora: Literature Review on the Functions of Roora
Roora or Bride Price (Bride Wealth)? The Problem of Terminological Inexactitude
Roora: A Ritual Sui Generis
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 3: Roora/Lobola Language, Meaning and Function: A Keystone of Shona Culture
Introduction
Sources of Roora Abolition Pressure
Roora: Theorizing Its Origins and Meaning in Shona Culture
On the Question of Language That Is Associated with Roora
What Some Shona Women Say
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 4: Bride Wealth in Southern Africa: Origin, Functions, Rights, and Gender-Based Violence
Introduction
Possible Origin of Bride Wealth
In the Beginning Was Endogamy
The Abuse of Women and Beginning of Exogamy
Functions of Bride Wealth
Marital Rights and Gender-Based Violence
The Resilience, Privatization, and Commercialization of Bride Wealth
Conclusion
Bibliography
Part II: Lobola in Sacred Texts and Literature
Chapter 5: The Bible in the Lobola Debate
Introduction
Main Biblical Texts and Narratives Cited in Lobola Discussions
Isaac’s Marriage to Rebecca (Genesis 24)
Jacob’s Marriage to Leah and Rachel (Genesis 31)
The Rape of Dinah (Gen. 34)
Legal Passages Associated with the Treatment of a Rapist or a Seducer of a Virgin Girl (Exod. 22:16, Deut. 22:28–29)
Analysis of the Texts: Marriage Gifts in Ancient Judaism
Gender Analysis of the Bible and Lobola
Conclusion: Call for Abolition of Lobola
Bibliography
Chapter 6: The Jewish and Shona Perspectives of Bride Wealth in Light of Calls for Roora Abolition
Introduction
The Jewish Perspective on Bride Wealth
The Shona Perspective on Roora
Evaluation of the Call for Abolition of Roora in Zimbabwe
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 7: The Biblical and Cultural Bases for Lobola in Light of Calls for Lobola Abolition in the African Context
Introduction to African Ideas About Lobola as a Religio-Cultural Practice
Literature Review
Data Collection Methods
Presentation of the Findings
Discussion
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 8: Disempowerment of Men by Men? A Comparative Analysis of Lobola and Mahr Impact on Non-hegemonic Masculinities in Zimbabwe
Introduction
Masculinity
Masculinity and Marriage Among the Shona
Muslim Marriage: An Overview
Problems of Lobola and Mahr-Based Masculinities
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 9: Roora (Bride Price) and Femininity of Entrapment in ChiShona Literature
Introduction
Background to the Chapter
Theoretical Lens
They Are the Ones That Paid Roora So They Are the Ones That Hold Decisive Levers in My Marriage
The Child Will Be Your Father’s Gratis on Top of Roora I Paid
Do Not Say That! How Do We Pay Back the Roora We Have Spent?
Endure Violence! We Have Already Spent the Money Paid for Roora
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 10: “Jojina,” “Marujata” and “Chihera”: Celebrating Women’s Agency in the Debate on Roora in Shona Culture
Introduction
Setting the Context
Methodology
Independent, Assertive and Exercising Freedom: Remembering Three Agentic Women in Zimbabwe
Jojina: The Free Woman
Marujata: Married and Liberated
Chihera: Domesticating Patriarchy
Conclusion
Bibliography
Part III: Lobola Practices in Some Southern African Communities
Chapter 11: Bogadi Practice and the Place of Women in the Botswana Society
Introduction
Objectives of the Study
Methods of the Study
Impact of Bogadi Practices on Women
Definition and Meaning of Bogadi
The Transfer of Bogadi Cattle
Bogadi as a Source of Prestige and Power
Bogadi and Barrenness
The Family Life
Residential Structure
Marriage Formation
Choice of the Bride and Betrothal Negotiations (Patlo)
Bojale, Bogwera and Bogadi
Wedding Celebration
Inheritance and Bogadi
Concluding Remarks
Bibliography
Chapter 12: Mutation of Lobola and “Othering” of Women in Ndebele Culture
Introduction
Research Methodology
Theoretical Framework
Traditional Lobola and Gender Relations Among the Ndebele
Early Mutations and Tilting Gender Scales
Contemporary Lobola “Market” and the Woman Other
The Prostitution Fringe
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 13: African Culture and Modernity: A Critical Review of the Vhavenḓa Lumalo Practice in Zimbabwe
Introduction
Critiques of the Lobola Practice
The Function of the Lumalo Practice Among Vhavenḓa
The Significance of Lumalo Among the Vhavenḓa
Lumalo as a Sign of Expressing Love
Lumalo as a Way of Showing Gratitude
Lumalo as a Way of Showing Loyalty
Lumalo Unifies the Two Families
Lumalo for Cultural Identity
Lumalo Gives Dignity and a Sense of Belonging to the Bride
Some of the Challenges Encountered When Lumalo Is Not Presented
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 14: A Critical Assessment of Lobola Marriage Practices in Malawi: Mzimba Case Study
Introduction to the Study
Statement of the Problem
Objectives of the Study
Justification for the Study
Review of Related Literature
Understanding Payment of Lobola Practices
The Argument Against Lobola
The Pro-lobola Argument
Methodology
Qualitative Research Design
Purposeful Sampling
Phenomenological Theory
Research Findings and Interpretations
The Process of Lobola Marriage Practices in Mzimba
The Importance of Lobola Marriage Practices
The Challenges of Lobola Marriage Practices
The Kind of Support Needed by People Who Practice Lobola Marriage Practices
Discussion and Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 15: Ndzovolo Practices Among Vatsonga in Zimbabwe and Their Implications on Gender
Introduction
Theoretical Framework
The Concept of Lobola in Africa
Ndzovolo Among Vatsonga
Ku kombela mati (Asking for Water)
Ku ndzawuta (Arrival Notification/Salutation)
Matlhomanyangweni (Inserting in the Door)
Mbvulaxifuva (Opening Up)
Xitheve (Mat)
Maqomo (Marriage Pledge)
Timfuko (Tobacco Containers)
Xivala (Kraal)
Homu ya maphipho (Cow Given to the Mother of the Bride)
Mafundza (Special Meal)
Xirhota (Marriage Celebration)
Ku tlhakisa (Abduction)
Ku pandza ndzhaka (Wife Inheritance)
Ku pfuxa xitiko (Husband Inheritance)
Ku khomela (Declaring/Betrothal)
Implications of Vatsonga Marriage Practices on Gender Issues
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 16: Gender Implications of the Metaphorical Use of Mapere (Hyenas) in Some Roora Practices Among the Shona People in Zimbabwe
Introduction
Metaphorical Language
Ndafura Bere (I have shot a hyena)
Gender Implications of Ndafura Bere
Musengabere
Gender Implications of Musengabere
Kutizira or Kutiza Mukumbo (Elopement) and Kutizisa (Elopement Marriage)
Gender Implications of Kutizira and Kutizisa
Kuenda Kumapere (Going to Act as Hyenas)
Gender Implications of Kuenda Kumapere
Conclusion
Bibliography
Internet Sources
Chapter 17: Commercialisation of Marriage Rites and Commodification of Women in Contemporary Times: The Discourse of Lobola in the Public Sphere in Zambia
Introduction
Theoretical Framework
Brief Historical Perspectives on Lobola
Situating Lobola in Zambia in Existing Scholarship
Methodology
Public Discourse on Lobola in Contemporary Zambia
Terminology of Lobola
Transformation of Lobola in Contemporary Times
Court Cases of Non-payment of Lobola
Commercialisation of Lobola
Calls for Reform or Abolition of Lobola
Accounting for Lobola as a Topical Element in the Public Sphere
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 18: Intersection of Lobola, Intimate Partner Violence and Love Among Karanga Christians in Chivi District, Zimbabwe
Introduction
Method
Theoretical Framework
Findings
Couple A
Couple B
Couple C
Couple D
Couple E
Couple F
Discussion
Recommendations
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 19: Creating Alternatives to the Commercialisation of Magadi Among Bapedi People in South Africa
Introduction
Methodology
The Practice of Magadi Among Bapedi People in South Africa
The Commercialisation of Magadi
Commercialisation of Magadi and Delayed Marriages
Commercialisation of Magadi and Cohabitation
Commercialisation of Magadi and Women Abuse
Creating Alternatives to the Commercialisation of Magadi
Conclusion
Bibliography
Part IV: Philosophical and Theological Reflections on the Practice of Lobola
Chapter 20: An Enquiry into the Value of Human Life: The Lobola Perspective
Introduction
The Logic Behind Lobola
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Value
What Determines a Human Being’s Value?
Observations and Recommendations
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 21: Contextual African Theological Interpretation of Ilobola as a Gender Issue in the Era of Globalisation
Introducing the Meaning of Ilobola
Justification for Dipping into African Cultural Understanding of Ilobola
Traditional Significance of Ilobola
What Does the Bible Say About Ilobola?
Contemporary Challenges and Problems with Ilobola in the Era of Globalisation
Contextual African Theological Interpretation of Ilobola as a Gender Issue
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 22: Lobola and Gender Equality: A Theological Hermeneutic Approach
Introduction
The Task of Gender Equality
A Theological Anthropology of Gender Equality
Lobola and the Primacy of Family
The Hermeneutics of Lobola
Critical Analysis of Lobola and Gender Equality
Conclusion
Bibliography
Chapter 23: Our Debt to Our Parents: Perspectives on Lobola in the Shona Culture
Introduction
Lobola: The Concept
The Nature of Family Obligations
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index