‘Bapedi A Re Boeleng Setṧong’ - Consequences of Undermining Ancestral Beliefs with Regards to the Concept of ‘Mohlobolo’ from Bapedi People’s Cultural Perspective

There appears to be an increasing interest in the integration of the concept ‘mohlobolo’ and traditional wedding ceremony (monyanya) in the Bapedi society, and this revives and strengthens Bapedi people’s traditional relationship with the ancestral realm. Strengthening interactions of ancestors of both families (bride and groom) through the significance role played by ‘mohlobolo’ has been a common practice for ages in the Bapedi society, but some families deliberately ignore this practice as the consequence of being mesmerized by external theological beliefs and modern technologies. There has been unsatisfactory integration of the concept ‘mohlobolo’ and traditional wedding ceremony even though Bapedi cultural heritage and identity advocates its use, and significant meaning stating that it strengthens the marriage relationship and preserves Bapedi people’s cultural wedding practice. Amongst Bapedi people, teamwork is preferable to get everyone involved and to facilitate ancestor veneration. This paper has its goal a drive to recognize ancestral beliefs as the foundation of a happy family and the creation of spiritual and religious values within Bapedi people’s cultural context. To address the objectives of this study, the following primary research questions were considered: 1) What are the consequences of undermining the pivotal role played by the concept ‘mohlobolo’ in traditional Bapedi wedding ceremonies? and 2) why are innocent children and grandchildren suffering because of the ignorance and negligence by their parents and grandparents? The primary sources for data collection include observations and oral interviews that were conducted through face-to-face interaction. The interviews were aimed at eliciting first-hand information on the knowledge of the subject matter. The secondary sources included among others, materials such as journal articles, books and theses, and of course personal experience. The results have shown that in the Bapedi society, some families are disintegrated as the consequence of undermining the pivotal role played by the concept ‘mohlobolo’. There appears to be unpleasant marriage relationship in some families; female partners cannot procreate, etc. It was concluded that ‘mohlobolo’ serves as the eternal bond between the families and the ancestors of the two families that are coming together through the bride and bridegroom.