01 Sep 2024

To date, 7 114 couples have solemnised their union through Re A Nyalana, cementing the programme’s commitment to build strong permanent families.

Out of the stated number, none of the couples have divorced, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Talitha Monnakgotla said when officiating at a ceremony of 26 couples who got married through Re A Nyalana in Nata.

Ms Monnakgotla said the ceremony was a commitment by the couples, to grow and raise their children together under one roof.

She said it was also a message to those still habouring negative perceptions about Re A Nyalana.

Couples who are formalising their relationships add to the on-going fight against Gender Based Violence, which in some cases result from cohabitation and one wanting to leave the arrangement, said Ms Monnakgotla.

She said that prior to marrying the couples were taken through counseling, to affirm their commitment of getting married and that also helped iron out issues of inheritance.

She said her ministry had partnered with civil society organisations, among them Rock Solid and Stepping Stone International and Re A Nyalana, to fight issues of GBV and children abuse within families and there had been a significant improvement in the way cases were held compared to the past.

Meanwhile, Re A Nyalana coordinator, Ms Annah Morwaagole explained that the organisation continued to help building families with strong ties noting that the programme catered for people of all ages as long as they were committed to establishing a family. Ends