A South African couple has reportedly postponed their wedding due to a disagreement over the bride’s surname. The bride, a doctor and the first in her family to achieve this title, insists on keeping her maiden name or using a double-barreled surname after marriage. However, her fiancé argues that if he is paying the bride price (lobola), she should take his surname.
The story, shared by an X user named Kuanele, has sparked a heated debate online. Many have supported the bride, emphasizing the significance of her professional identity and family legacy. For instance, PhD student Idayat Jinadu commented, “After all the sacrifices & love my parents have poured into making me a PhD, I refuse to abandon the name that carries my history and their efforts. I will not take the name of a family who doesn’t know the beginning of my life nor contributed to my growth in the name of marriage.”
On the other hand, some, particularly men, sided with the groom. One user, Bongani, criticized the bride’s stance, writing, “MBChB, CA (SA), LLB. Gents stay away from these women, their professions make up their whole personalities and what they stand for. Classism justified.”
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between traditional expectations and modern values, particularly regarding gender roles, professional identity, and cultural practices in marriage.
