Q: How does it work? Is there a predefined value attached to Labola? Is it just about enriching your future in-laws? For the record - The labola I paid for my wife was 2 cases of Windhoek Lager. When I went to ask her dad if I could marry her - I had to deal with the Afrikaans father who didn't like us souties too much. We ended up finishing off the 1 case of Windhoek lager that day - so I guess it was worth my while. Thanks Hennie my new friend for correcting the spelling - what will we do without you? Thanks Inno for confirming the spelling.
A: 1a).First the guy speaks with his uncles about wanting to marry a girl b) The uncles and guy set up a meeting with the elder men/uncles in the girls family c) They start negotiating on what or how much they would like for their daughter and the boys uncles try to lower the amount to what they can until the come to an agreement. (my dad has decided though that he is going to put the money away so we can buy a house and pay for wedding expenses) d) If they already have a kid, the money or amount of cows goes up 2. Yes there is a predefined value. If a woman has a child from a previous relationship, the lobolo money will be extremely low. If she was a virgin its high and if she is well educated and working it also goes high. Its sort of a thanks from the groom for all the effort that went into raising the perfect woman for him 3. Some people have lost the initial understanding of lobolo and aim to fill pockets, but others still do understand the value of this agreement and the money goes into the wedding or benefiting the couple later By the way Roadie its : Lobolo (noun) and Lobola (verb)