SAVE THE KIDS! Chief cries for help to end child marriages

Thupeyo Muleya

BEITBRIDGE traditional leader, Chief Tshitaudze, has made a passionate plea to Matabeleland South Provincial Minister Albert Nguluvhe to help end the scourge of child marriages that is wrecking young lives in his district.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting in Beitbridge, the chief said the area had become a hotspot for child marriages and teenage pregnancies.

“We seek your help Honourable Minister in addressing this troublesome problem in our community where children are being married before reaching the age of 18 years. To make matters worse, we are also a leading district in cases of teenage pregnancies,” said Chief Tshitaudze.

He urged the minister to support community-driven initiatives aimed at protecting girls from early marriage and to help push for tougher action against perpetrators.
The chief warned that the disturbing trend was fuelling school dropouts, substance abuse, and a spike in new HIV infections across the province.

He also called for urgent investment in more high schools and vocational training centres to keep young people engaged and off the streets.
“Some of the challenges faced by traditional leaders include the need for better compensation and support and the confirmation of new appointments. We can do more working with motivated community leaders,” he added.

While acknowledging the efforts of development partners, the chief said the battle could not be won without strong political will and provincial leadership backing the fight.
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