Renowned author and cultural commentator Khaya Dlanga has spoken out to clarify the nature of a recent celebration involving media personality Anele Mdoda, which sparked speculation that she had officially tied the knot.
Not a Western Wedding
Contrary to the public’s assumption, Dlanga explained that the event was not a wedding in the Western sense, but rather the final stage of the lobola process rooted in isiXhosa culture.
Khaya Dlanga
“Just to clarify, what took place was not a wedding,” he shared on social media. “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.”
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Cultural Context Matters
Dlanga urged the public to avoid equating cultural terminology such as “bride” and “groom” with Western wedding customs. He emphasized that in traditional isiXhosa practices, these terms do not automatically indicate that a legal or Western-style wedding has occurred.
“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.
Lobola is a Process, Not a Moment
He further elaborated that lobola is not a once-off event, even for those who could afford to pay it all at once. The tradition is meant to unfold in multiple stages, symbolizing the ongoing relationship and commitment between the two families.
“Lobola is supposed to be done in stages and, traditionally, it is never entirely finished or completed. This is deliberate,” Dlanga explained.
What Actually Happened
Dlanga confirmed that the ceremony was the final stage of lobola, officially welcoming Anele’s partner into her family.
“In other words, ooMfene were welcoming ooMadiba,” he said, referencing their respective clan names.
Traditional Wedding Still to Come
While the couple was celebrated and referred to as “bride and groom,” Dlanga concluded by clarifying that the traditional wedding has yet to happen, as it typically takes place at the groom’s family home.
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