south african youth marriage values
South African youth have vastly different mindsets compared to the older generations. Surveys conducted have shown that the older generation South Africans has a more positive attitude towards marriage compared to the youth. Recent studies have also shown that the South Africa’s marriage rate is relatively low when compared to the other sub-Saharan African countries. It appears that this marriage rate will continue to decline, with corresponding increases in the trend of cohabitation. Currently, the median age of marriage is 27 and 29 for women and men respectively. However, it is still comforting to note that the youth still strongly believe in the importance of marriage.Reasons that deter the youth from marriage
In South Africa, especially among the blacks, polygamy marriages are allowed. Studies have shown that only 25% and 15% of African men and white men respectively are responsive towards the idea of polygamy marriage. On the other hand, only 11% and 3.7% of African women and white women respectively are responsive towards the idea of polygamy marriage. In all, the idea of polygamy marriages has deterred the youth today from marriage.
The procedure of Lobola:
Bride's mom (center) sits with the aunties 
Bride's cousin and his wife along with brother in the center
Bride's cousin and his wife along with brother in the centerBride was kept alone during the morning of the Lobola
Bogobe and Morogo are prepared over open fire
A goat is slaughtered for bride's Lobola
Bogobe and Morogo are prepared over open fireA goat is slaughtered for bride's LobolaAfricans who agree that lobola discourages marriage, by gender and age.
Another characteristic in the South African marriage is the custom of Lobola. When a South African couple plans to get married, Lobola a traditional Southern African dowry custom is practiced, where the man has to pay the family of his future bride for her hand in marriage. Lobola aims to tighten the ties between two families, fostering mutual respect. In addition, it also shows the financial capability of the South African man. Though Lobola is a highly regarded custom back in the past, it is currently not as important in today’s context. Many South African youth do not think it is necessary for Lobola to be practiced and as much as 48% of them agree that Lobola discourages marriage.With increase in the standard of living over the years, many South African women have become more highly educated. Many want to have a successful career, and put thoughts of marriage in second place. This can be seen from the ‘leap’ in the median age for marriage in women. In 1998, it was 22 years old but it stands at 27 now, showing a 5 years difference, compared to the men, with just a 3 year difference from 1998 to the present year.
On the other end, South African families are becoming smaller over the years as there is a shift in importance to parenting. This can be attributed to the increase in standard of living. Quality of life is more important than the quantity of children in today’s society.