Sexism in married names sticks

Gender equality is at a crossroads and I don't think many women and men will like the shape of it.

- MANDLA MTHEMBU

The recent judgment by the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein to allow men to take the surnames of their wives will have serious repercussions on family relations.

Since it challenges the cultural and traditional beliefs of many people, it raises the question: who should pay lobola? In most cases, it is the man who pays lobola - even though many women have secretly paid their own lobola by giving their husbands money.

A woman is often "adopted" into her husband's family and is expected to take his surname. It is taboo for a man to move in with his wife.