21 Aug 2017

Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry says marriages are the bedrock of strong societies as they are the foundation of strong families.

Giving a keynote address at the first marriage revival festival organised by the Open Baptist Church, Mr Biggie Butale said the institution of marriage should be nurtured and protected at all times.

“It should be fixed when broken and that is why it is important to have events like marriage revival festival in Botswana,” he said, adding that the event brought together oldies in marriage and newly wedded couples to celebrate their successes in marriage as well as ignite the flame of love.

He noted that broken marriages could have an effect on the family and society, adding that government supported restoration initiatives of all forms.

“For example, the national Survey of Children’s Health in the United States showed that direct marriage (rather than cohabitation prior to marriage) has a positive effect on religious participation in young adults,” he said.

Mr Butale also noted that young adults raised in happily married families were more religious than young adults raised in step families.

He said marriage united people and created societies, noting that even political enemies had in the past been united by marriage.

He said the fact that marriage was losing inspiration had an adverse effect on society. “We should not live in broken societies as they can have a negative impact on children, families and the general function of society,” said Mr Butale.

He added that many couples still found it difficult to celebrate their marriages, and that they do not find value in renewing their vows, arguing it was a Western practice.

“This day has also brought crucial stakeholders in this institution like pastors, motivational speakers, financial advisors and marriage counsellors.

We hope that through the sharing of ideas, the marriage reputation will be revived and the foundation for strong marriages will be set,” he said.

Ms Galaletsang Butale, the wife of Mr Butale, spoke about their marriage, noting that they had been married for 14 years and that they have five children.

“Lenyalo le monate fa wena le motho wa gago le itse se le se batang mo lenyalong le sa ineele,” she said.

The event brought together couples that have been married for different years, and they all shared their testimonies on marriage.

Most had the same sentiments that marriage was hard work, and that one had to invite God into their union for them to weather the challenges that came with it.  ENDS