By J. D. van Woerden
The outpatients Clinic of our small hospital at Mbuma Mission offers ample opportunity to get a glimpse of man’s laws and customs, which are preferred far above the laws of God.
Concubinage
More than 90 per cent. of the people are not properly married, by European or African standards. In order to get a concubine, a man can pay the father of a girl in cash and cattle up to the value of about £15. Any children that are born, automatically become the property of the girl’s father. He can take the children away any time he likes. The man knows that he has no claim on the children or even on his concubine, should her father call her back. He has no responsibility either, should he lose interest in his woman and send her away. It is very strange and startling, to hear of such customs, it is stranger still, however, when such people come to the kirk session and apply for baptism or membership.
Proper African Marriage
Such marriage is recognised by the Christian Church and by the Government. A man who intends to get married will ask the father of a girl for his daughter’s hand. After many meetings with the elders of the clan, an agreement is reached and the future son-in-law agrees to pay a certain amount of dowry, called “lobola.” The “lobola” is usually between £30 and £100, partly paid in cattle and partly in cash. Marriage can be registered with the Native Commissioner or with a minister of religion.
“Lobola” is never paid in full at once. The period of payment may be spread out over one or even two generations. Now here comes a difficulty for Christians.
The woman’s father has a right over the children to be born as long as the “lobola” is not paid in full.
Sometimes payment of “lobola” is finally settled by transferring one or more children to the kraal of the woman’s father. The real parents then lose all authority over their children.
Mr Mzamo, our African minister, was telling me how difficult it is to baptise children, considering this African law. How can parents promise that they shall bring up their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, if these children may not be brought up under their care at all? In fact many such children lose contact with their parents altogether as they grow up in another kraal.
Is it right, to give such couples a Christian marriage, and is it right to give their children Christian baptism? What is the value of Christian marriage and baptism in such cases?
Position of an African Widow
What is the position of a woman who had a Christian marriage and whose husband dies? The deceased husband’s brother has a right to take away all property, even the children and the wife herself, although the last point is not now enforced, should the widow object.
The fact remains that a widow, who has had a Christian marriage, may be left homeless, penniless and childless, without a Christian law in this land to protect her.
Foot-Note—In a covering letter, dated 12th July, 1960, Mr van Woerden writes as follows:—
“Last week we had our record number of inpatients. Sixty on the register and with the attendants and relatives there were over 70. They were accommodated in eight different places scattered over our various Mission buildings.
“Tonight there are 45. Last night I attempted to take a man with an acute abdomen to Mpilo Hospital for an emergency operation. He died in the car on the way. Suddenly in Eternity!
“So far we are spared the terrors of open revolt in connection with the political unrest. There is, however, a good deal of unrest and resentment, which requires much gracious wisdom and understanding.
“Kind regards to all the friends. Brethren pray for us. One who lives amongst the heathendom of the patients at Mbuma, dwells where Satan’s seat is. Have I held fast His Name and not denied His faith? Repent: or else I will come unto thee quickly.”