Botswana tribe sets bride price
FILE
What you need to know:
- Some parents in the north-western district have reportedly charged as much as 12 beasts or $US2,500 (Ksh217,500).
- The tribal leadership has invited any man who feels overcharged to report.
GABORONE
A Botswana tribe, Batawana has set a standard bride price of six head of cattle or $1,350 (Ksh117,450) in an effort to stop parents from charging exorbitant fees for their daughters.
The bride price was initially reviewed two years ago, but with many still flouting the ‘law’ royals have moved in swiftly to enforce it.
Some parents in the north-western district have reportedly charged as much as 12 beasts or $US2,500 (Ksh217,500).
Batawana leader, Mr Charles Letsholathebe said the move was to ensure people got married as they wished without being limited by overpriced charges.
“The fraudsters must be called upon to answer for their actions. We expect them to know better,” he said.
The tribal leadership has invited any man who feels overcharged to report. Mr Letsholathebe said they had a culture to safeguard and will take stern action if people do not comply. The standard charge only applies in Ngamiland, located in north-west Botswana.
However, the tribe hopes to see the same being done by other tribes.
