SEE THE MARRIAGE CULTURE OF TSWANA, KALANGA, BASARWA, AND KGALAGADI.

Traditional marriage among Botswana’s biggest ethnic group, the Tswana, entails the payment of a bride price. The money is given as a token of appreciation and respect from the groom’s family to the bride’s. The bride price may be paid in cash, livestock, or another commodity of equivalent value.

Traditional marriage among the Kalanga people, who live predominantly in eastern Botswana, also entails the payment of a bride price. The bride price is still an issue, although not to the same extent as in Tswana society. The exchanging of presents between families is especially significant in Kalanga culture.

The Basarwa, also known as the San, have a distinctive marriage tradition in which the groom must earn his bride’s approval over a wooing phase. The male must show he can provide for his family by doing things like hunting and collecting. When the engaged couple has finished their romance, they might proceed with a conventional wedding.

Marriage customs of the Kgalagadi people, who live predominantly in southern Botswana, are strikingly similar to those of the Tswana. The bride price is a gift given by the groom’s family to the bride’s family. It might be cash, livestock, or something else of value. But the Kgalagadi also place great value on the participation of the extended family in the wedding ceremony.

Marriage customs among Botswana’s major ethnic groups are as varied as the country’s many distinct cultures. However, in some societies, the exchange of gifts or the participation of extended family members take precedence over the payment of a bride price.