Lobola

Its Implications for Women's Reproductive Rights

Puleng Letuka

 

Synopsis

An in-depth, accessible study of the function of 'lobola' - the bride price - in seven Southern African countries (including Zimbabwe) in which it is a widespread tradition and its practice is still common. The study considers this social institution in both matrilineal and patrilineal societies to show that almost without exception, the practice of paying the bride price results in the wife become the property not only of her husband but also of his extended family.

Review

The book tries to strip of lobola's cultural and symbolic values as a result of commercialization. - Richmore Tera, The Herald

Author

Puleng Letuka is the Head of Department of Mercantile Law at the University of Venda, South Africa. She has also been a Socio-legal researcher for Women and Law Research and Education Trust.