South Africa has such a rich cultural diversity that it often encourages foreigners to join right in and one lobola negotiation is proof of that.
A viral video of an American citizen arriving with his crew at the home of his intended bride is being applauded as a feel-good reminder that culture can be inclusive and celebrated.
Love travels to Mzansi from America for lobola negotiations
The video of the hopeful groom calling for his bride at the gates of her family home has captured the hearts of netizens. Zwelakhe Khoza, a South African living in Illinois, United States, led the negotiations. Taking to social media to note the occasion, Khoza commented.
“Lobola negotiations done, negotiated on behalf of my American 🇺🇸 brother. Nkomazi (Steenbok)awumncinyana.” Zwelakhe Khoza
The groom’s party even ensured that the traditional gift of cattle was presented during the lobola proceedings, taking the time and effort to respect the bride’s culture despite the groom coming from a far different background.
Tradition not ‘selling off’ the bride
The tradition of lobola is often misunderstood as paying for the bride-to-be’s hand in marriage but the truth is the tradition is meant to forge bonds between the two families. While on the surface, the groom pays for permission to be wed to the bride, the goal is paying respect to the family who raised her.
The custom aims to bring two families together, developing mutual respect and showing that the future husband is capable of financially supporting the bride.
Interestingly, the custom often discredited as offensive towards women, seems to demonstrate how valued the bride is by both parties.
Take a look at a few reactions to this adorable clip below:
“Why is he hurting his own throat like that. bet the bride will forever be the one to be teased for this and some sort of nickname will definitely come out of this.” Mbali Makhathini, @simmakh
“We (Zulus) don’t appreciate our language being murdered like this. Fanele ahlawule lomfana.” Vuka Africa, @Thisthat_Acadmy
“Congratulations to our sister. We are getting the land. I am proud, not those ones marrying the Nigerian 419 scammers.” Mavuso, @Mavuso___
“Love is such a beautiful thing.” Ben Johanson, @JohansonBen
“Even the cow agreed.” Blessing sibongile Ndlovu, @NdlovuBles30915
“All I know is that I saw Michael Jackson trying to speak vernac and apparently attempting the lobola process!” The Man from Rong Spellingg, @Rong_Spellingg
Do you think the groom’s party did a good job respecting the bride’s culture?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
