South-East District, Botswana – Brokering Marriage

Marriage in Botswana is negotiated – not just between spouses, but among and between their extended family (especially uncles), and with the input and advice of priests, counsellors, District Administrators, and a rapidly  growing range of professional planners, choreographers, and decorators. Churches and NGOs have also stepped in to help negotiate and plan weddings, both for young people orphaned during the epidemic, and for older cohabiting couples who have not yet managed to marry.

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BRIDEWEALTH REQUESTS <p> A list of items requested for bogadi , or bridewealth, recorded in a notebook after consultation among the bride’s family. It stipulates eight cows (and their monetary equivalent), and items ranging from firewood to the bride’s dress, a lantern, paraffin and matches.</p>
NEWSPAPER HEADLINES: BOGADI <p>The cost of bogadi , or bridewealth, has long been a subject of complaint among Batswana though a charge of eight to ten cows has been common for generations.</p>
MASS WEDDINGS <p>Couples married in a mass wedding sponsored by a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) gather for a photo with the Minister for Local Government (centre, blue hat). Batswana link declining marriage rates with social and moral breakdown, and government, churches, and NGOs have taken an active role in brokering marriage.</p>

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