‘Yes, that’s the way to go’

MBABANE- Sandla Sevangeli Church in Zion has received strong support from some members of the public regarding its stance on unplanned pregnancy.

The church’s policy, as per its constitution, is that if a male congregant impregnates a female member of the church, the couple is forced to marry. Should one of the parties refuse to marry, he/she is expelled from the church. This stance by the church has sparked a hot debate and seemingly, some members of the public are in agreement with the church’s principles.

They noted that the church’s approach could play a vital role in preventing unplanned pregnancies, which resulted in government carrying the burden of vulnerable children.

Some people were of the view that the national Constitution should be amended to include the portion of the church’s constitution. Some shared that the stance by the man of God reminded them of what was once said by the late host of popular programme, Khalamdumbadumbane, Jimmy Mbhokane Gama, pertaining to men who impregnated and dumped women. Founder of the church, Bishop Mkhumbikanowa Gina, has given more clarity on the compulsory marriage for congregants who impregnate others in his church.

However, others noted that issues of human rights should not be disregarded by the church as the national Constitution was clear that no person should be forced into marriage.

In an interview, Gina said he was not shaken by any criticism as the church was guided by a constitution derived from the Holy Bible.

He stated that when he talked about compulsory marriage, he meant just that. He said all the church wanted from whosoever impregnated a member was commitment to marry her as required by Exodus 22:10. He said there were circumstances, where the church found that the man was unable to cater for marriage within the stipulated time, which is six months, after the discovery of the pregnancy.

The man of God said if that happened, the church took it upon itself to loan the man a cow known as insulamnyembeti, which was required in customary marriage. “When we talk about marriage, we do not mean just the event but a marriage certificate. Customary marriage requires that the man offers a cow known as insulamnyembeti to his in-laws, before they can consent to the registration of the marriage certificate. We want a couple with a marriage certificate in the church. The church takes it upon itself to loan the man the cow if he commits himself to marry the impregnated congregant,” he said.

Gina mentioned that the church also offered support towards the establishment of the matrimonial homestead for needy couples, as long as they were committed to living as husband and wife.

“The church is like a family and we care for each other. Congregants are clear about the importance of helping each other. They know that one day, Jesus will ask what they have done for the needy during their lifetime,” he said.

He maintained that the church would invoke the section of the constitution and expel those who refused to marry women they had impregnated.

Gina had stated that parents from both parties were involved in the marriage talks. He said in the event the parents disapproved of the marriage for whatever reason, the constitution of the church required that they leave with either their son or daughter. He said in case the woman’s parents felt they wanted their child to further her studies as opposed to marriage; the condition was that they write her off. The man of God said if the woman wished to continue with her relationship with the congregant after her studies, she was allowed on condition she consented to marriage.

Gina stated that the man was compelled to pay a fine in the form of a cow for impregnating a church member even if the marriage was aborted.

“We do not want a bad seed in the church. All congregants are expected to live according to the teachings of the Bible,” he said.