Khaya Dlanga sets the record straight on Anele Mdoda’s lobola ceremony
Renowned author Khaya Dlanga has offered clarity on the recent celebration involving media personality Anele Mdoda, following widespread speculation and congratulatory messages suggesting she had tied the knot.
According to Dlanga, what took place was not a wedding in the conventional or Western sense, but rather the final stage of the lobola process rooted deeply in isiXhosa tradition.
Sharing the insight on social media, Dlanga explained that the occasion was a significant cultural event known as ukwamkela abakhwenyana — a ceremony where the bride’s family formally accepts the groom.
“Just to clarify, what took place was not a wedding,” he posted. “It was the final stage of the lobola process, along with a ceremony called ukwamkela abakhwenyana, which is to say the formal acceptance of the groom by the bride’s family.”
Dlanga cautioned against interpreting the presence of a bride and groom as equivalent to a Western wedding.
“Please don’t get stuck on words like groom and bride and make them equal marriage, as in the Western tradition in this context,” he added.
He went on to emphasize that in isiXhosa custom, lobola is never a once-off transaction, even for those who could afford to pay it all at once.
“Lobola is supposed to be done in stages and, traditionally, it is never entirely finished or completed. This is deliberate,” he explained.
“It ensures that the groom remains present and committed to the union of both families, rather than disappearing once the celebrations are over.”
In this case, Dlanga confirmed that the ceremony marked the final stage of the lobola process for Anele and her partner.
“What happened was the final lobola ceremony and the moment the groom was officially welcomed by Anele’s family. In other words, ooMfene were welcoming ooMadiba,” he said, referencing the traditional clan names.
He concluded by stating that the traditional wedding itself has yet to take place, as it customarily happens at the groom’s family home.
“So while the couple are referred to as the bride and groom, this was not the traditional wedding itself.”
