Magadi
The Venda and Northern Sotho word for the bridewealth exchange between families.
Also: mahadi, magadi (Venda and Pedi)
Magadi is the word used among Venda and Pedi-speaking families in northern South Africa for the gifts given to the bride's family to open and seal a marriage. Elders and representatives of both sides hold the talks, and a letter of demand setting out the amount is common today. Cattle were the old measure, with money and household goods now often added. As with lobola in other languages, those who keep it see it as respect and a bond between two kin groups.
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa