Lenyalo: Marriage Cultures and Processes in Botswana

Description

This research sought to find out the commonalities and variations in lenyalo marriage culture and practices in past and present Botswana. It was hoped that the research would culminate in an elaborate account of the series of stages, events as well as processes, which would be a reference point for Botswana's evolving society, and perhaps a rallying point for convergences and the finding resolutions to some of the problems that are seen as being associated with marriage in today's society. This book attempts to cover the formal lenyalo processes as can be recounted, though perhaps not always as comprehensively as desired, on the issues that follow: courtship stages (go kokota/go itshupa); bride-seeking (patlo); lobola (bogadi); bride and groom counselling (go laya); the wedding ceremony (kemo/mokete wa lenyalo); the transfer of a bride to her in-laws; (go isa monyadiwa); and the bride being taken back to her natal home (go gatisiwa). In the course of recounting these events, these marriage rites, the significance of metaphorical language and symbolic actions are discussed. The rights, privileges and benefits associated with traditional marriage practices are brought into focus. Roles of maternal, as opposed to paternal, uncles and aunts are discussed. Problems and challenges that are prevalent in Botswana marriages, as well as possible remedies and standardization of the practices. are also discussed. The book also highlights significant factors of change as well as their impact on traditional marriage rites and processes.

Sujets

• Family
• Marriage
• Sociology
• Sociologie, société et politique
• Social Science

Informations

• Publié par: Lightbooks Publishers
• Date de parution: 03 octobre 2022
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9789991271651
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 2 Mo

Extrait

Lenyalo
Marriage Cultures and Processes in Botswana
Past and Present
 
L ENYALO : M ARRIAGE C ULTURES AND P ROCESSES IN B OTSWANA : P AST AND P RESENT
First Published in 2022 by
Lightbooks, an imprint of Lentswe La Lesedi (Pty) Ltd.
[e-mail]
PO Box 2365, Gaborone, Botswana
on behalf of the
Alumni of the University of Botswana Development Trust (ALUBDEV) PO Box 53355, Broadhurst, Gaborone, Botswana [e-mail]
ISBN: 978-99912-71-63-7
Copyright © Text and Cover design: Alumni of the University of Botswana Development Trust
Copyright © Cover Photograph: Charles Bewlay
Copyright © Two photographs on page 339: Lydia Nyati-Saleshando
All rights reserved. The copyright of all materials in this publication, except where otherwise stated, remains the property of the authors and copyright owner.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of the publishers or copyright owners, or in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act of 2000.
Cover Design: Charles Bewlay
Typesetting, Design and Layout: Lentswe La Lesedi (Pty) Ltd
D EDICATION
This book is dedicated to
all married partners, husbands and wives.
participants in, promoters of, and aspirants to,
the institution of marriage.
C ONTENTS
Dedication
Contents
Acknowledgement of Contributors
Preface
FOREWORD
1. BABIRWA
Prof. Tonic Maruatona
Introduction
Understanding Marriage among the Babirwa
The Marriage Process
Marriage Rites and Metaphors
Changes in Babirwa Traditional Marriage
Suggestions for Stabilising the Marriages of Young Couples
References
2. BAKALANGA
Jabulani Dick Makwanda
Introduction
Historical Background
The Significance of Marriage in Ikalanga Culture
Types of Marriage
Identification of Prospective Marriage Partners
Marriage Processes
The Impact of Change on Traditional Ikalanga Marriage Rites and Activities
3. BAKGATLA
Christian John Makgala & Montle Siya (University of Botswana)
Introduction
Methodology
Evolution of Marriage Processes among Bakgatla
Bakgatla Marriage Transformation in the New Millennium
The Challenges of Marriage in the New Millennium
Conclusion
References
4. BAKGOTHU
Mr. Allan Manyeneng
Introduction
Brief Historical Background of Tsabong Village and Bakgothu (Nama)
Understanding Marriage from the Bakgothu’s Point of View
Types of Marriages/Weddings
Marriage Processes in Sekgothu
Marriage Rites and the Significance of Metaphorical Language and Symbolic Actions
Factors of Change and their Impact on the Bakgothu Traditional Marriage Rites and Activities
Current Problems and Challenges in Bakgothu’s Traditional Marriages
Conclusions and Recommendations
5. BAKWENA
Prof. Mabel Magowe
Introduction
History and Origin of the Bakwena Ethnic Group
Understanding the Term Marriage or Lenyalo from the Sekwena Perspective
The Marriage Processes
Advantages, Common Conflicts in Marriages, and Suggestions for Improvement
Conclusion
References
6. BALETE
Prof. Brankie Nhlekisana & Dr. Pearl Seloma
Introduction
Brief Historical Background
Understanding Marriage from the Balete’s Point of View
Types of Manyalo and their Importance
Taboos Associated with Selete Marriages
Kinship Ties and the Significance of Meat Portions at a Wedding Event
Balete Traditional Marriage Processes
Marriage Rites and the Significance of Metaphorical Language and Symbolic Objects and Actions
Conclusions and Recommendations
7. BANGWAKETSE
Mr. Allan Manyeneng
A Brief Historical Background of Kanye Village and the Bangwaketsi
Understanding Marriage from the Bangwaketsi’s Point of View
The Types of Bangwaketsi Marriages/Weddings
Marriage Processes
Bangwaketsi’s Marriage Rites and the Significance of their Metaphorical Language and Symbolic Actions
Factors of Change and their Impact on Ngwaketsi Traditional Marriage Rites and Activities
Prevalent Problems and Challenges in Bangwaketsi’s Traditional Marriages Today
Conclusions and Recommendations
8. BANGWATO
Mr. Allan Manyeneng
Introduction
Information Sources and Data Collection
A Brief Historical Background of Serowe Village and the Bangwato
Understanding Marriage from the Bangwato Point of View
Types of Marriages
Marriage Processes
Bangwato Marriage Rites and Significance of their Metaphorical Language and Symbolic Actions
Change and its Impact on the Ngwato Traditional Marriage Rites and Activities
Problems and Challenges in Bangwato Traditional Marriages Today
Conclusions and Recommendations
9. BAROLONG
Mr. Allan Manyeneng
A Brief Historical Background of Goodhope Village and the Barolong
Understanding Marriage from the Barolong’s Point of View
The Types of Barolong Marriages/Weddings
The Marriage Process
Barolong’s Marriage Rites and Significance of their Metaphorical Language and Symbolic Actions
Conclusions and Recommendations
10. BATAWANA
Eagilwe Segosebe
Introduction
Historical Background
Batawana Marriage Social Context
The Importance of Marriage
The Marriage Process
Factors that Have Influenced the Changes in Marriage
Consequences of the Changes to Traditional Marriage
Possible Solutions to Hardships Brought to Marriages
Reference
11. BATLHARO
Mr. Allan Manyeneng
Brief Historical Background of Tsabong Village and the Batlharo
Understanding Marriage from the Batlharo’s Point of View
The Types of Marriages/Weddings
Marriage Processes
Batlharo’s Marriage Rites and Significance of their Metaphorical Language and Symbolic Actions
Conclusions and Recommendations
12. BATLOKWA
Prof. Brankie Nlhekisana & Dr. Pearl Seloma
Brief Historical Background
Understanding Marriage from the Batlokwa’s Point of View
Types of Weddings
Some Traditional and Continuing Marriage Rites of Passage
The Marriage Process
Rights, Privileges and Challenges Associated with Traditional Marriage Practices
Conclusions and Recommendations
13. BATSWAPONG
Prof. G.T. Tsayang
Information Sources and Data Collection
Brief Statement on Batswapong
Marriage Process
An Alternative Way of Getting Married when a Man Does not Have Enough Resources
Charges
14. BAZEZURU
Ms. Siphiwe Mguni
Brief Historical Background: An Introduction
The Link between the Bazezuru Church and Bazezuru Marriage
Understanding Bazezuru Marriages
Changes and Challenges in Zezuru Marriage
Conclusion
15. VEEKUHANE (BASUBIYA)
Dr. Ndana Ndana
Brief Historical Background
Basubiya Marriage
The Marriage Process
Ichincheh (changes)
16. HAMBUKUSHU
Kandondi Kapweke
Brief Historical Background
Marriage from the Hambukushu Perspective
Types of Marriage
The Marriage Process
The Marriage Processes of the Hambukushu Today
Changes in Marriage Practices
Marriage Rites and the Significance of Metaphorical Language and Symbolic Actions
Changes and their Impact on Hambukushu Traditional Marriage Rites
Reasons for the Changes in Hambukushu Weddings
Suggestions for Ensuring Stability and Tolerance in Marriage
17. KHOISAN (G‖ANA PEOPLE OF ZUTSHWA)
Tshisimogo L. Leepang
Background Information of New Xade and the G‖ana people
Marriage from the Point of View of the G‖ana-kho
Types of Marriage and their Significance among the G‖ana people of New Xade
Taboos among the G‖ana People of New Xade
Bride-wealth ( Bogadi ) among the G‖ana People of New Xade
Marriage Rights and the Significance of Metaphorical Language and Symbolic Actions among the G‖ana People
Factors of Change and their Impact on Traditional Marriage Rites and Practices among the G‖ana Community
Prevalent Problems and Challenges in the G‖ana Peoples’ Traditional Marriages
Conclusion and Recommendations
18. KHOISAN (NARO PEOPLE OF NEW XADE)
Mr. Isaac Saul
Introduction to the Naro People and their Totem
Sense of Identity
Understanding Marriage from the Naro’s Point of View
Types of Marriages and their Significance for the Naro People
Kinship Ties and the Significance of Animal Meat Portions at a Wedding Event
Traditional Steps of Naro Traditional Marriage and the Role Players in Naro Culture
Marriage Rites and the Significance of Metaphorical Language and Symbolic Objects and Actions in Naro Marriages
Rights, Privileges, and Benefits Associated with Traditional Marriage Practices among the Naro People
Prevalent Problems and Challenges in Naro Traditional Marriages Today
Factors of Change and their Impact on Traditional Marriage Rites and Activities
Conclusions and Recommendations
Bibliography
19. OVAHERERO
Mrs. Esther Vamanuka Kanaimba-Senai
Brief Background History
The Ovaherero/Ovambanderu Marriage Culture and Processes
Conclusion
References
20. WAYEYI
Lydia Nyati-Saleshando
Information Sources and Data Collection
Pre-independence Marriage
Post-independence to Current Period
Significance of Marriage and Related Language Symbols
Changes in Wayeyi Marriage Practices
Conclusion
References
21. SUMMARY & WAY FORWARD
Observations, Challenges and Remedies or Recommendations
1. Ethnic Group Variations
2. Extramarital Affairs
3. Cohabitation
4. Single Parenthood
5. Passion Killings
6. Awareness of the Marital Act, its Implications and other Caveats
Epilogue
References
APPENDIX
A CKNOWLEDGEMENT OF C ONTRIBUTORS
The originator and sponsor of this work, the Alumni of the University of Botswana Development Trust (ALUBDEV) wishes to express profound gratitude to the following contributors for their original research, documentation and chapter presentation:
Prof. Tonic Maruatona;
Mr. Jabulani Dick Makwanda;
John Christian Makgala;
Montle Siya;
Mr. Allan Manyeneng;
Prof. Mabel Magowe;
Prof. Brankie Nlhekisana;
Dr. Pearl Sel