In a new series of articles, Eish! takes a look at different cultural practices and how they all contribute to the beautiful, rich tapestry of South African life. In this first article we take a look at the practice of bogadi in Setswana, also known as lobola in Xhosa, Zulu and other cultures.
Dr Richard Letsholo is a lecturer at the School of Human and Social Sciences in Education on the Potchefstroom Campus.
In most western cultures couples first have to ask their parents for permission to marry. Among the Batswana, Xhosa and Zulu cultures, making known one`s intentions to seek a life partner is also accompanied by the offering of livestock as a token of appreciation and thanksgiving to the woman’s family. In modern times the practice of issuing a sum of money has become rife and increased the complications surrounding the practice.
Dr Richard Letsholo, lecturer at the School of Human and Social Sciences in Education on the Potchefstroom Campus, says that the notion of offering bogadi or lobola has always been a controversial subject because of the lack of understanding about it from people outside the cultural tradition.
“However, it has never been possible for the practice to be completely wished away. It even became more topical when the Nguni word lobola appeared to be common and almost representative of all other indigenous communities.”
Richard says that bogadi or lobola is situational and culture bound, and can only be understood in the context of the cultures and customs of specific indigenous South Africans. This is why this article focuses only on the practice within the Batswana context.
Bogadi and the Batswana people
According to Richard, the Batswana communities refer to bogadi as a social practice that signals an important rite of passage: a preparation for married life.
“The Batswana people equate bogadi to cattle as the word means an ’offer’. In essence, bogadi is a token of pledge, a commitment and appreciation from deep within to the family or community of the woman whom a man intends to take as his wife.”
Richard further says that bogadi is a confirmation that the man is indeed happy and satisfied that another family or clan has given birth to a wife for him.
“It is so because the Batswana people are a very communal society. When it comes to matters such as marriage, things are done together as individuals belonging to a family, clan and larger community where uncles and aunts take the lead in the proceedings.”
How bogadi is presented
Richard says once bogadi is agreed upon, it is not easy for the husband to abandon his commitment. “If a man defaults after making an offer, the entire clan will be brought into disrepute. Bogadi is a practice that encourages loyalty in marriage and serves as a reminder to the husband that his wife has to be protected and cared for at all times.
“Traditionally, the offering has been in the form of cattle and it varied from place to place, family to family and clan to clan as to how many cattle would be offered.
“Among the Batlokwa communities in Madikwe, two cattle were always offered, a bull and a cow, representing the two people who want to become partners.”
He says in the modern context where bogadi often takes the form of money which can escalate into big amounts, it must be noted that the practice is not a sale transaction. “It does not mean that a woman is sold to a man because this can later in their lives create problems of some sorts.”
Declaring interest
The Batswana people call for a declaration of one’s interest in a specific future bride: “Go tlhoma letlhokwa”.
The parents of a male would always earmark a very young baby girl and in some rare instances even a girl who has not yet been born. The parents are always guided by family ties, reputation and other good characteristics associated with making a good match for their son in protecting the good name of the family.
They would declare an interest in having that family’s daughter married to their son when the time becomes opportune. If the woman’s parents agree, the agreement will be binding. At no stage can this agreement be changed unless the son or daughter dies along the way.
Richard believes that bogadi has been of great value to the communities in which it is practised. “It has ensured that instances of divorce and family violence are kept to the minimum,” he concludes.
Eish! invites staff to tell us about their cultural customs and practices. Send your contributions to our Eish! journalist, Willie du Plessis, at willie.duplessis@nwu.ac.za.
