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Spike in Zimbabwe Divorce Cases Worries Local People


Estimates made by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency and a manual count of the High Court index book revealed that at least 330 couples applied for divorce in the city between January and August this year. (FILE PHOTO)
Estimates made by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency and a manual count of the High Court index book revealed that at least 330 couples applied for divorce in the city between January and August this year. (FILE PHOTO)

A large number of people are said to be divorcing a week in Zimbabwe’s second largest city, Bulawayo, a development marriage counselors say is caused by the degradation of the marriage institution.

Estimates made by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTATS) and a manual count of the High Court index book revealed that at least 330 couples applied for divorce in the city between January and August this year.

Indications are that up to 20 couples are believed to be filing for divorce every week with a recent manual count confirming that there is a spike in divorce cases in the city.

There are reports that Masvingo is also recording high divorce cases.

Social commentators and religious leaders say the rising number of divorces is linked to Zimbabwe’s harsh economic environment and general degradation of the marriage institution.

Minister of religion, Angilacala Sibanda, believes that the demand for gender equity is worsening the situation.

Interview With Angilacala Sibanda
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“It’s generally because of the breakdown in the social moral fabric such that families, people, married and unmarried people are generally no longer valuing the institution of marriage.

“The institution of marriage is generally under threat probably in some cases due to the misinterpretation or misunderstanding on gender and women’s rights campaign as well as the economic factors in the country,” he said.

Wedding cakes play a significant role in solemnizing marriage ceremonies. (File Photo/Courtesy Image)
Wedding cakes play a significant role in solemnizing marriage ceremonies. (File Photo/Courtesy Image)

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