Reader Letter: 'Lobola is not a business deal'

We must not make it too difficult for young men to get married.

Lobola must be reasonable to all so we can have many happy families, as this will reduce unplanned pregnancies.

Paying lobola is meant to unite two families, not to make a profit.

We must not allow a situation in which families charge others as if you are buying a car.

You can't sell a human being; she is not a commodity.

These days, families charge you based on the type of car you arrive in.

If you arrive in an expensive car then they will charge you more.

This idea of looking at the bride's education and qualifications is very strange.

Lobola is a token of appreciation, not a transaction or a business deal.

We are facing some tough economic times as a country and lobola can't be an obstacle for lovers to get married.

If it continues like this, then many people will choose to get married later in life or not to get married at all.

People must remember that after lobola there will be a wedding, which also costs a lot of money.

Maybe we should consider paying lobola in instalments over 10 to 20 years.

Lobola is a part of us as Africans, but my fear is that many families are abusing this beautiful cultural practice.

It's every parent's dream to see their children get married and start their own family, but if this becomes too costly then we are in big trouble because many won't get married.

Statistics SA this week released a report that says unmarried men are likely to die earlier than their married counterparts.

Sidwell Tshingilane - Soweto