Shun child marriages, says Chief Ndanga

PROMINENT Zaka traditional leader, Chief Ndanga, Wilson Mukono has called on Zimbabweans to shun child abuse, especially of young girls, who are often forced into child marriages in the name of tradition.

He was speaking during a Culture Village Day held in Chief Nyakunhuwa area at Mutonhori High School on Friday last week.

He described people who abused young girls on the basis of culture as sexual perverts.

“Zimbabweans are known for preserving the girl child’s purity and that is a system we should uphold countrywide.

“The police and other law enforcement agencies should deal ruthlessly with all those engaging in sexual relationships with underage girls.

“Our culture as Zimbabweans is one of the best the world over, especially where we talk about nurturing young girls and grooming them into adulthood,” said Chief Ndanga.

He said long ago, girls were not allowed to get married before reaching 22 years.

He said it was important to preserve the girl child’s rights and allow them to marry when they are mature.

The traditional leader said the Judiciary should also descend heavily on sexual perverts.

“As traditional leaders, we are against the idea of child marriages. Those who marry under-age girls must not hide behind fulfilling culture. Child and women abuse must not be condoned at all costs,” he said.

Speaking during the same event, Zaka West Member of Parliament Cde Vincent Mawere said moral decadence in the country was worrying.

He said it appeared cultural sensitivities were being eroded by globalisation.