The negotiations and payment of lobola are crucial indicators of an intention to marry and signify that the parties plan to advance beyond mere cohabitation. Lobola negotiations are a culturally significant step in customary marriages, often regarded as prima facie evidence of a valid customary marriage under South African law. However, the mere negotiation and payment do not alone establish that a customary marriage has been "entered into" or "celebrated." The next inquiry, after the negotiations have taken place, involves examining whether there are factors that show the marriage was formally "entered into" or "celebrated." Customary law typically requires the performance of specific rituals and customs following the lobola negotiations to complete and formalize the marriage. For example, the handing over of the bride by her family to the groom's family, accompanied by traditional ceremonies such as slaughtering an animal and cleansing rituals, is essential to signify the union and the joining of the two families. Without these rituals and the full observance of customary practices, the marriage may not be considered validly entered into under customary law, even if lobola was paid. Additionally, some parties may negotiate and pay lobola with an intention to marry civilly rather than customarily, which courts distinguish from customary marriages entered into by observing all traditional formalities. In summary, while the negotiations and payment of lobola clearly indicate an intention to marry, the validity and recognition of a customary marriage require additional factors—such as the celebration of the marriage through customary rites and the formal transfer of the bride—which demonstrate that the marriage was indeed "entered into" or "celebrated" as prescribed by customary law.