Jira & Confluence 
Bitrix24 Lobola · roora · budget in US$
Lobola list in Zimbabwe — the in-laws' list in dollars, the grocery list and what to save each month until the day
Short answer. Put the in-laws' list into dollars — and see how much to put aside every month until the roora. The list decides: the bride's family gives the list; items and amounts differ by family, totem and region (Custom, not law).
- Get the in-laws' list in writing through the munyai — about 2 months beforetype the date
- Count the cash into envelopes, one per item — the day beforetype the date
Check your own case.
Reminders, not rules: every family sets its own steps and dates.
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Lobola budget · monthly saving
Your lobola list in dollars — and how much to put aside each month until the day
Write the amounts from the in-laws' list, the cattle and their value, the majasi, things for amai, groceries and your own costs. You see the total, the monthly amount until the roora and a list to print.
Want a reminder on each deposit day until the roora?
The calendar file works without an account. The reminder needs a free account so we know where to send it.- Ask the munyai for the in-laws' list in writing and put their amounts in place of the examples.
- Put aside the monthly amount — the plan shows every date until the day.
- On the day, fill in the «On the day» sheet: what was asked, what was paid and the balance.
Lobola is a family custom: the list and the amounts are set by the bride's family, and the fields show examples, not prices or averages. Amounts in US dollars. Monthly deposits run from today until the month before the day, rounded up to the dollar; the last one evens out. Not financial advice.
Lida, Layers template assistant
Tell me what is on the in-laws' list and I'll show you how much to save each month.
The grocery list and the 'On the day' sheet print for the munyai.
Deadlines
The rules, with the source
| What | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The list decides | The bride's family gives the list; items and amounts differ by family, totem and region | Custom, not law |
| Usual items | Vhuramuromo (opening the talks), rutsambo, cattle or their cash value, mombe youmai, majasi, things for amai | Shona terms; Ndebele families use their own |
| Groceries | Only if the in-laws ask for them — many lists include them for the day | Check the list |
| Monthly saving | Equal amounts every month from today until the month before the day; the last one evens out | How the calculator counts |
Lobola is a family custom: there is no legal price, and the examples in the calculator are not averages. Amounts are in US dollars; if you pay part in ZiG, keep the dollar figure in the budget.
Step by step
What to do, in order
1
Write the list
Put each item from the in-laws' list into the table — cash, cattle, clothes, groceries.
2
Add your own costs
Transport, food and outfits for your side and the munyai.
3
Save every month
The plan shows each date and how much until the day.
Questions
How much is lobola in Zimbabwe?
There is no fixed price. The bride's family sets its list and the munyai negotiates. Write their amounts into the table and the total shows what your family needs — the numbers in the fields are only examples.
What is on a roora list?
Often vhuramuromo to open the talks, rutsambo (the main amount), cattle (danga) or their cash value, mombe youmai for the mother, majasi (coats or suits) for the father and uncles, things for amai and sometimes groceries. Every family's list is different.
Can we pay part now and the rest later?
Many families agree to that. The 'On the day' sheet records what was asked, what was paid and the balance, so both families have the same figures.
Does the calculator work in ZiG?
It counts in US dollars, which is how most lists are written. If you pay part in ZiG, keep the dollar figure in the budget and note the ZiG amount on the receipt.
Is it free? Do I need to sign up?
It's free and you don't need an account: fill it in and download. With a free account you can save a copy to your Layers and come back to it later.
Other documents
Keep the papers in one place
Letters, receipts and notices in one folder you can share with family or a lawyer. The templates and the editor are free; Layers is free for up to 20 people.
A budget and a list for a family custom — not advice on what lobola should be.