Creating alternatives to the commercialisation of magadi among Bapedi people in South Africa

Abstract

In recent times the practice magadi (bride price) has been highly commercialised as payment of magadi is highly inflated. On the one hand, the commercialisation of the practice of magadi gives rise to delayed marriages or no marriage at all because of increased economic challenges like unemployment, inequality and poverty. Consequently, young adults end up cohabiting. On the other hand, some of those who can afford magadi sometimes end up abusing their spouses. Abusive relationships end up in divorce or unhealthy marriages. It is for these reasons that some scholars have made a call for the abolishment of the practice. This chapter argues that magadi should not be abolished, instead alternatives should be created to deal with the negative aspects of the contemporary practice of magadi.