Lobola Skit Celebrates South Africa's New Surname Law with a Hilarious Twist in Video

Lobola Skit Celebrates South Africa's New Surname Law with a Hilarious Twist in Video

  • A group of women performed a comedic lobola skit that flipped traditional customs on their head to spotlight a recent legal change in South Africa
  • The skit showcased the women playfully negotiating and celebrating a mock lobola ceremony, symbolising a shift in traditional marriage customs
  • The video has sparked conversations about the evolving nature of marriage traditions in South Africa, particularly after the Constitutional Court ruled that men can now take their wife's surname after marriage

A playful lobola skit has captured the attention of social media users after a group of women turned tradition on its head to highlight a recent legal change in South Africa.

A funny lobola skit celebrated South Africa's new surname law with a hilarious twist in a video.
A group of women in Mzansi showcased their amusing lobola skit that poked fun at the new South African law allowing men to take their wives' surname. Image: Masedi Cliffton
Source: Facebook

In the video shared by Masedi Cliffton on Facebook showcased four women are shown who had arrived at a home, with one knocking on the door to be let in. Traditionally, it is men who approach a woman’s family to negotiate lobola, or bride price. But this time, the women staged a humorous twist, drawing inspiration from the new law that allows men to legally adopt their wife’s surname after marriage.

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As they entered, the women handed a bottle of Hennessy to the host, symbolising a traditional offering. The men were then wrapped in a large blanket, and one woman had to identify her groom by touch. Initially, she chose the wrong man, leading to a playful “fine” of Gucci slippers. Afterwards, she successfully recognised her partner, and the group broke out into celebratory dancing.

The skit not only provided laughter but also sparked conversations about the evolving nature of marriage traditions in South Africa.

This comes after the Constitutional Court ruled that sections of the Births and Deaths Registration Act are unconstitutional, ordering that they be changed to allow men to take the surnames of their wives in marriage.

After the Free State High Court's September 2024 verdict, the Constitutional Court heard the case for the first time in March. The High Courts ruled that Section 26(1)a to c of the Births and Deaths Registration Act is unconstitutional, allowing a man to take on his wife's last name or have a double-barrelled last name after marriage.

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Now, the Constitutional Court has upheld the decision, stating that the portions discriminate against women. Due to ingrained patriarchal customs, women were previously only permitted to take on their husband's last name.

Supporters of the change have praised it as a step toward gender equality and inclusivity in family law. Many couples see it as a progressive option that reflects modern values and personal choice.

The lobola skit, blending cultural tradition with humour and social commentary, has been celebrated online as a creative way of highlighting how South Africans adapt customs to reflect the times.

SA reacts to the funny lobola skit

South Africans were amused as they took to the comments section to crack jokes, while some expressed their thoughts.

Nelisa Bridgete said:

"It's a joke now, but I think the foreigners will use this to their advantage."

Nhlanhla Remmy Ndlovu expressed:

"Jesus, can you come back quickly? Things are bad out here."

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Tandzile Standzy Dlamini wrote:

"South Africa is full of jokes, mara.. whoever taught."

Khanyisa Kalipa added:

"I blame the constitutional court this time."

Vic Makhoba replied:

"Ancestors won't approve of this, madness."

Watch the funny video below:

A group of women from Mzansi shared a hilarious skit that humorously poked fun at South Africa's new law, which lets men take on their wives' surnames.
A new South African law allowing men to adopt their wives' surname caused a stir on social media as people created funny skits around it. Image: Masedi Cliffton
Source: Facebook

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Authors:
Johana Mukandila avatar

Johana Mukandila (Human Interest Editor) Johana Tshidibi Mukandila has been a Human Interest Reporter at Briefly News since 2023. She has over four years of experience as a multimedia journalist. Johana holds a national diploma in journalism from the Cape Peninsula University Of Technology (2023). She has worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, PAICTA, BONA Magazine and Albella Music Production. She is currently furthering her education in journalism at the CPUT. She has passed a set of trainings from Google News Initiative. Reach her at johana.mukandila@briefly.co.za

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