Migrant Culture and Changing Face of Family Structure in Lesotho

Abstract

The sotho speaking people of Lesotho value their indigenous family culture and independent development path. The influence from their bigger South African neighbour, (especially since Lesotho males of working age are drawn massively for the South African mines) has tended over the years to affect sotho culture adversely. This external influence is further exacerbated by the dysfunctional indigenous practice of “setsoalle”, a euphemism for ‘nyatsi’. All these make some of the ‘nouveau riche’ sotho mines workers to marry and divorce, snatch other people’s wives; and even co-habit with single girls. Because of the prevalence of female single parents and cohabitants, the marriage culture and family system are changing. The government is taking steps to cater and contain most illegitimate children who are mostly products of this new structure. Family laws of Lesotho do not recognize these children born out of wedlock; as children of their biological fathers but only as children of their mothers’ lineage. But for how long will this be, because the family structure is fast changing, as the marriage culture and the entire society are in a state of flux.