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Ratidzai Manditsvanga Manicaland Correspondent
Traditional leaders in Manicaland have expressed concern over the proposed amendments to the Marriages Act approved by Cabinet recently, saying they undermine some cultural values. In an interview, Chief Mutasa said the proposed amendments undermine the value of roora (bride price), which is the pillar of any traditional marriage.

He said customarily, when two people are living together, a token known as “tsvakiraikuno” is supposed to be paid to the woman’s family so that the man is known to them to avoid challenges that arise in instances such as death or divorce.

“When a man and a woman are living together, a token is supposed to be paid to the woman’s family so that they know who their child is living with.

“If that token is not paid, and the woman dies, how then will she be buried?” asked Chief Mutasa.
He added that cohabiting can be done as the law suggests, but it is not encouraged when nothing has been paid to the woman’s family and it undermines the importance of paying lobola.

“Kuchaya mapoto (cohabiting) can be practised and is being practised, but traditionally, it is not encouraged.
“Roora has not been abolished, and because of that, it has to be paid,” he added.

The Marriages Amendment Bill, which was approved by Cabinet on May 16 seeks to repeal the Customary Marriages Act (Chapter 5:07) and the Marriages Act (Chapter 5:11) will, among other things, license civil partnerships which are not classified as marriage under current laws.