Penuel Mlotshwa Sparks Controversy After Saying Lobola Should Be Reserved for Virgins Only
Podcaster Penuel Mlotshwa has ignited controversy with his views on lobola, suggesting that bride price should only be paid for virgins who intend to be housewives.
In a recent YouTube discussion, he argued that modern interpretations of the custom have strayed from traditional African values.
Mlotshwa’s remarks have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many questioning his perspective on women’s worth and gender roles in society.
Mlotshwa: A Woman’s Worth is in Her Purity
Mlotshwa linked the decline of black communities to changing customs around lobola and premarital sex.
“As small as lobolo and damages are in the grand scheme of things, they are significant in terms of the symbolism of what they mean in society. To me, they are a very fair indicator of why black communities are so broken. That tells me almost everything I need to know about the health of black society,” he said.
He emphasized that in traditional African culture, premarital sex was considered taboo, aligning with Christian beliefs.
“When you look at the history of black couples getting together, there was no sex before marriage; it is taboo in African customs and Christian traditions. If you sleep with someone before marriage, you are sinning from an African perspective and are meant to repent.”
Mlotshwa further stated that a woman’s worth is tied to her purity.
“The worth of a woman is her body count, how many men she has slept with because it says something about how men value her in society.”
Criticism of Modern Lobola Practices
The podcaster also criticized the financial burden that lobola places on men today, especially when it involves taking loans. He argued that the tradition was never meant to be a financial transaction but rather an exchange of goods or services.
According to Mlotshwa, modern feminism and gender equality have allowed women to redefine their roles, yet many still expect lobola. He labeled this as hypocrisy.
“Sadly, because black men have lost their minds, their land, their dignity, their worth, their culture and their sense of being, they get dictated to through trash.”
Calls for Parents to Ensure Their Daughters’ Purity
Mlotshwa also condemned the practice of paying “damages” to a woman’s family when she falls pregnant outside of marriage. He believes parents should be responsible for their daughters’ virginity before marriage.
“A girl child is meant to be raised by a father and, specifically, a mother who teaches her about purity so that when a boy comes and asks for her hand, she knows what is going on. Today, girls are telling their moms that they are having sex. They inform their moms about abortions and miscarriages, and then this idiot of a boy has to pay damages while this girl acts like a virgin.
The mother and father are now going to tell this boy, ‘You damaged our daughter.”
Mlotshwa Reiterates Views on Social Media
Following the backlash, Mlotshwa doubled down on his stance, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to repeat his beliefs.
“iLobolo is only for virgins who plan to be housewives.
Non-virgins must not get ilobolo.
Career aspirant women must not get ilobolo.
Tell your sons. Let’s stop extorting ignorant men,” he wrote.
His comments have drawn mixed reactions online, with some agreeing with his stance while others accuse him of promoting outdated and misogynistic views.