Answer to Question #191935 in Law for Sthabiso Shabane

Question

Which of the following statements apply to the ukutheleka custom?

1. It is practised by all Sotho tribes

2. It entails that the wife is "kidnapped" by her people

3. It is used for maintenance of the woman

4. It means that the lobolo as is delivered in instalments

Answer 1

The most accurate statement is (4). The ukutheleka custom is found 

among some South Nguni, whereby the marriage goods are delivered in 

“instalments” after the wife has been transferred to her husband group. The word “kidnapped” as used in option 2 has some criminal connotation and has no place in African customary practices.