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Lobola Survey Results: Are South African women cheap?

by Staff Reporter
24 Dec 2012 at 09:46hrs | Views

Not only is it the topical issue on one of South Africa's popular television soapies; but a heated one among Wedding Anthem voters. How much is too much lobola? Is the price for a South African bride cheap or the opposite thereof?
Readers voted in response to a poll pertaining to "What is reasonable lobola (South African traditional bridal price)?" The poll was located on www.weddinganthem.co.za – an online wedding directory which celebrates true love and features local and international celebrities who open up about "true love" and marriage among other things.
The gross majority of the 1,500 respondents, just over 65% (1000+ votes) indicated that "reasonable lobola" is under R10 000 (about $1 250 USD). Only 20% (300) indicated that "reasonable lobola" is between R10 000 – R25 000.
It is perhaps worth mentioning that less than 9% (131) considered it to be over R25 000 – R50 000. Furthermore, less than 5% (67) considered a bridal charge of over R50 000 (about $6 250 USD) to be fair.
"The survey results are by no means indicative of the views of all South Africans or even a flicker thereof. They are merely responses from some of our [www.weddinganthem.co.za] online readers who are predominantly from South Africa as well as no less than 24 other countries," says Phindiwe Nkosi, Director: Wedding Anthem.
The platform draws in celebrities (who open up on "true love" among other things) and an intercontinental audience from over 25 countries. The readers are primarily from South Africa, then USA, Norway, Great Britain and France among other countries.
Among those interviewed (exclusive interviews) since the site's launch this year, are local and international celebrities icons such as Lira, Evangelist Angus Buchan, Danny_K, Tumisho Masha, Dj Euphonik, Tony Gaskins, Trenyce, Mapumba, Toya Delazy, Lady Lea, Elvis Blue, We Will Worship, Madai and more.
"Lobola has to do with the traditional bridal price paid by the groom in exchange and/or appreciation of his bride-to-be. It is something that is considered to be somewhat private and exclusive. The poll affords the public an opportunity to disclose their personal opinions on this matter without fear of intimidation and utter confidentiality. It is therefore an invaluable little tool to ascertain vital information in this regard," continues Phindiwe.
The poll helps to gather in some information on the "mystery" of lobola. In as much as these results may not be fitting to everybody, they are the realities of Wedding Anthem readers who participated in the poll.
"Due to growing public interest, the lobola poll will be kept online for an extended period. Readers are invited to vote and view the results within seconds of voting. The voting is confidential," concludes Phindiwe. 
Please go to www.weddinganthem.co.za to participate in the poll and/or view results.