17 Feb 2020

There is a growing concern regarding the alarming divorce rates in the country.

This was said by the owner of Voyager Inn Hotel Mr Pabalelo Thaba at the annual ‘No to Divorce Campaign’ hosted by Voyager Inn Hotel on Valentine’s Day in Palapye.

He said marriage and divorce statistics showed that on average about 2 000 marriages were registered as well as roughly 600 divorces annually.

He said when divorce affected children the most, which he said led to children being raised under a shadow of misunderstandings and anger.

He said due to such circumstances, children grow up unhappy and deviant, resulting in the nation raising aggressive youth.

“This is a great concern and this might be the reason why this country is rated one of the lowest in terms of happiness,” he said.

Mr Thaba said marriage was an important institution in the society, adding that a relationship was not only about materials, but also understanding. He emphasised love and respect between spouses for them  to build strong families and relationships.

He said the reason why Voyager Inn Hotel held the No to Divorce campaign annually since 2018, was to encourage couples to stay together and focus on God and raising families in a good way.

“This is why we say it is possible by God’s grace for people to stick together, regardless of the differences,’ he said.

Fundamental needs that play a significant role in marriage such as commitment, emotions and visions on where the couple is going must apply, he said.

For her part, councillor for Extension Two, Ms Ellen Ntshekisang, who has been married for 38 years, noted that marriage was all about love, trust and respect for each other. She said couples must learn to respect their marriages, support and stand by each other, regardless of the circumstances. She added that marriage called for perseverance and called on partners to avoid divorce.

 “Government is also concerned about the rate of divorce cases,” she said, adding that government supported the notion of ‘Zero to Divorce’.

Ms Ntshekisang said naturally, God ordained the man as the head of the family and in this regard, men saw themselves as leaders who needed to be respected.

She explained that if a man got the respect he needed he gave love in return and if a woman got love, she gave back respect.

She commended the Thaba family for holding a No to Divorce campaign annually, noting that the campaign would have a positive impact in community in that it would help build families.

The No to Divorce campaign commenced in 2018 after the realisation that the rate of divorce, especially among young couples, was high.

It was held under the theme was When Needs are Met, the Relationship Becomes Fulfilling. ENDs