The functions and meanings of bridewealth in African societies have been analysed extensively in anthropological and historical studies. Although bridewealth remains widely practised in Southern Africa, few studies have examined the custom in a contemporary context. This paper addresses the paucity of research by focusing on South African Zulu society where, among ...

In South African society, the custom of bridewealth [in Zulu: ilobolo] is widely upheld, although its current practice may constrain marriage in African society. The custom is persistent particularly in South African Zulu society and has been understood as symbolising a man's masculinity and role as economic provider. In this article, we focus on how a sample of Zu...