We promise to negotiate in good faith. We will not insult your family with low offers, nor will we rush the process. We understand that your daughter is a treasure – educated, kind, and strong – and we will offer a lobola that reflects her standing in your eyes.
“Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” – A person is a person through people. This essay is written as a primary document (a letter). If your instructor expects a standard academic essay , you can simply change the title to “The Role and Etiquette of the Lobola Negotiation Letter” and then explain the letter’s purpose paragraph by paragraph (e.g., Paragraph 1: Greetings & Humility; Paragraph 2: Purpose; Paragraph 3: Logistics; Paragraph 4: Conclusion).
It is with great joy that we write to formally express our intention to initiate lobola negotiations between our two families. Our son, [Groom’s Name], has respectfully informed us of his profound love and admiration for your daughter, [Bride’s Name]. Having witnessed the strength of their character, the integrity of their union, and the mutual respect they share, we believe that this is a partnership blessed by both tradition and God.
The Family of [Bride’s Surname], [Bride’s Home Village/Town] From: The Family of [Groom’s Surname], [Groom’s Home Village/Town] Date: [Current Date] Subject: Proposal for Lobola Negotiations for [Bride’s Full Name] and [Groom’s Full Name]
Signed,
(Head Negotiator) On behalf of the [Groom’s Surname] Family
