Review of the culture of Ho khetheloa molekane (Parental choice of spouses) in Meokho ea Thabo, Liketso and Kotleloa Sehong

Abstract

This research seeks to find out the significance of the culture of ho khethela molekane (parental choice of spouses) in the Basotho society. The study focuses on the rationale behind the culture of ho khethela molekane, its merits and the impact of the Western culture on the culture of ho khethela molekane. Three Sesotho novels were analysed to explore how the culture of ho khethela molekane (parental choice of spouses) is presented as a theme in Sesotho novels. The novels under study were published in different years: Meokho ea Thabo by Khaketla (1979), Liketso by Morojele (1987) and Kotleloa Sehong by Ramakhula (2005). The researcher purposively selected novels from 1979 to 2005 to find out how Sesotho authors of different times portray the culture of ho khethela molekane (parental choice of spouses). The study reveals that amongst the Basotho society, the culture of ho khethela molekane (parental choice of spouses) is practiced because it is deemed a parental duty to choose spouses for their sons and daughters, and the culture of ho khethela molekane is also practiced to preserve the cultural norms and practices of Basothosociety. Furthermore, the culture of ho khethela molekane (parental choice of spouses) has the following merits: helping in maintaining and strengthening family friendships as well as guaranteeing the unconditional support of the internal and extended family members of the married couple in Basotho society. The culture of ho khethela molekane also led to sustainable marriages. However, the study concludes that the Western culture has had a negative impact on the culture of ho khethela molekane. The factors of the Western culture that harm v the culture of ho khethela molekane are Christianity and the Western education system. Based on the conclusions drawn from the findings of this study, the researcherrecommends that more novels be published to portray the significance of the culture of ho khethela molekane (parental choice of spouses).