LOBAMBA – Mhlume MP Sifiso Magagula has raised concerns over what he described as the rising divorce rate in Eswatini, particularly among young couples.
During yesterday’s debate, appointed Member of Parliament Tsembeni Magongo also suggested that traditional marriage structures could offer lessons in addressing the growing number of divorces.
Magongo said many homesteads in the past were raised within polygamous marriages, and perhaps the practice could be revisited as part of broader discussions on strengthening families.
“Many homesteads were successfully raised in polygamous marriages in the past, and those family structures remained stable. Perhaps this is something that could be reconsidered,” said Magongo.
She added that fathers and elders within families should play a greater role in advising modern husbands on how to lead and sustain their homesteads.
“Homesteads that still have strong father figures should guide husbands of today on how best to lead their families. In situations where couples are in love, they may accept such arrangements, but I do not advocate for it if it is forced,” she said.
Magongo further stated that divorce often has severe consequences for children.
“Children are the ones who suffer the most during divorces. Many experience emotional distress and, in some cases, depression. You also find that their behaviour changes significantly due to the instability within the home,” she said.
She suggested that exploring traditional family structures could potentially help reduce the prevalence of divorce.
Meanwhile, Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo raised concerns over the unresolved motion on voluntary DNA testing of children, which has been brought before the House of Assembly on several occasions.
“This motion calling for voluntary DNA testing has been presented to this House numerous times. Why does the minister continue to avoid addressing it? The issue has caused turmoil within many families for years and has also contributed to problems such as gender-based violence and marital disputes,” said Khumalo. Parliament committees are continuing with debates next week.
Because the sitting had taken long, the PM could not provide responses to all questions posed and is expected to do so in writing.
Leave a comment