A dowry is an ancient custom that requires the transfer of
parental property to a daughter at her marriage rather than at her
father's death. It is a tradition in which emotion does not play a
role in decision making. Dowries establish a type of conjugal
fund, the nature of which may vary widely.
A dowry is meant to be a type of financial security for the bride
future just in case her future husband will be neglectful, At times
there will be children they might have in future.
And can also ensure economic independence for children.
Dowries are not just about money, household items such as
linens and furniture, and even animals, may be included too.
Dowries are Part of an Ancient Practice.
In the Shona tribe Lobola is still current and its known as (Roora) dowry, is an integral part of the Zimbabwe traditional wedding
ceremony. It is viewed as an outward sign of love when a man
saves up and gives his bride's family gifts, in recognition for
giving him a beautiful woman to marry. This is done in stages,
through the negotiations. These negotiations are done in private
room allocated for that purpose, where both families meet, this
could be the first time, these families meet each other. The
respect is paramount at this, there will also Aunties and
grandparent, and the other families who would come and witness
this. These negotiations will be based on the fact that either the
girl was a virgin which the price is higher and her education
plays a part during this time.
Matabeleland is a region located in southwestern Zimbabwe
that is divided into three provinces: Matabeleland North,
Bulawayo, and Matabeleland South. These provinces are in the
west and south-west of Zimbabwe, between
the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers and are further separated from
Midlands by the Shangani River in central Zimbabwe. The
region is named after its inhabitants, the Ndebele
people who were called "Amatabele"(people with long spears –
Mzilikazi‟s group of people who were escaping the Mfecani
wars). Other ethnic groups who inhabit parts of Matabeleland
include with a lot of different tribes .The capital and largest city
is Bulawayo, other notable towns are Plumtree, Victoria
Falls, Beitbridge, Lupane, The land is fertile. Full of cattle, and
other animals the cattle which were used to pay for the bride if
there was a ceremony of the Malobo.