adminKirsty Coventry hit the headlines last year after she and her parents demanded that her fiancé Tyrone Seward pay lobola before their wedding.
In a custom that is often reserved for the black section of Zimbabwean society and other parts of Africa, it appears as if Seward will have to fork out as much as “we” do in order to get the swimmer to be his woman for the rest of his life.
The former world champion has been engaged to Seward since August last year and the latter said he would “look into it” and it seems he would not be deterred by the “alien” culture as he is willing to marry his woman the African way.
An ecstatic Mangwenya, as Kirsty is affectionately known in the country, wrote on her Facebook page:
“And so the African tradition of bringing mombe (cattle) to my father will soon begin. Lobola has been agreed,” she wrote.
Kirsty’s nickname was loosely translated from the crocodile, which lives in the waters.
She also tweeted to spread the news and her excitement.
“Proud of Tyrone. Lobola has been agreed and payment starts,” she tweeted.
Although the multiple gold medallist did not disclose when the lobola negotiations would begin, she praised the African custom as a way of uniting families.
“In no way does my fiancé ‘own me’. This is not what lobola is about. It is a centuries old tradition from Southern Africa where the man exchanges an agreed upon asset in exchange for their daughter’s hand in marriage.
“Not only does it prove to her family that he can support their daughter… but it unites the two families. Over the years, lobola is given to the father, and in doing so, ensures that the families get to see each other, at least once a year,” she wrote on her Facebook page.
The 29-year-old added that she and her Chinhoyi born and bred hunk understood and valued the African customs.
“In African culture you will always find two factors that are passed on through generations: the importance of Family and the importance of Tradition. Tyrone and I understand, respect and live this,” she added.
Several fans congratulated MaNgwenya on the new development.
Wilfred Chamboko: Tradition on its best. Wow that’s good.
Philip Chitsika: Go sister go! You are a shining example. Proudly Zimbabwean.
Clever Tanaka Mandaza: Hey girl, congrats, continue setting trends in the pool, more so outside. I’m proud of you.
Sal Salie Khan: Well done Kirsty. You are the embodiment of what it means to be truly African. Congratulations to you and Tyrone.
Ryan Nemaramba: Wadadisa Kirsty! Cannot wait to see Kirsty junior, the next world swimming champion.
Born on 16 September 1983 in Harare, Kirsty is a former world record holder.
She has won several awards at Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
Online Reporter