14 May 2017

Since its inception in 2010, Re a Nyalana has assisted in legalising 3 756 marriages across the country.
This was said by the Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu when he received 11 wedding gowns worth P22 000 from Arma Trading Company on behalf of Re a Nyalana.
Minister Batshu said Re a Nyalana’s first ceremony was conducted in Bokaa in 2012. The donation, he said, would give dignity to marrying parties.
He said the group aimed to promote the marriage institution and encourage people to marry, not only for the good of the partners, but for the children as well.
The minister stated that the initiative started after a realisation that many elderly couples had for long been cohabitating.

Mr Batshu noted that the programme helped curtail misunderstandings over inheritance when one partner died.
He noted that it had been a concern after the passing of one partner because families would fight for property leaving the children misplaced.
 “Marriage does not only bring proper and decent life to partners, it also ensures that children enjoy the benefits and the best they deserve from their parents,” said Mr Batshu.

The concept, he added, was largely received as many people became part of Re a Nyalana, noting that dikgosi countrywide were urging the programme coordinator to visit their areas, as they also had people who want to tie the knot.
He also noted that Re a Nyalana encouraged living in a harmonious way, adding that the institution of marriage required couples to be tolerant towards one another and harmoniously co-exist.
Mr Batshu also said the concept had brought results “as couples are counselled by district commissioners, dikgosi and the elders’ to create a good environment for successful marriages.”

He also noted that no couple married through the Re a Nyalana initiative had divorced, an act that revealed that they valued and respected their vows.
Mr Batshu said between February and April this year, his ministry had registered 45 divorces. He encouraged couples to ensure that they married for the right reasons. On the wedding gown gift, Mr Batshu said the gowns would go a long way in making the brides’ dreams of having weddings of white gowns a reality.

He urged other companies to extend a helping hand to Re a Nyalana, adding that the association had recently been allocated land in Bokaa to build operational offices.
For her part, Re a Nyalana coordinator, Ms Annah Morwaagole concurred with the minister that the association brought dignity to many families and the nation at large.
Ms Morwaagole thanked Arma Trading, saying the gowns would go a long way in assisting them carry out their mandate.

“We strongly discourage cohabitation and we aim to bring together partners who had long wished to formalise their relationships,” she said.
Meanwhile, Arma representative, Ms Maria Ludick stated that each gown cost P2 000.
She stated that they donated to the association to promote marriage and applauded Re a Nyalana for the initiative. ENDS