Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
Chief Tshitaudze from Beitbridge has appealed to the Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, to assist in addressing pressing issues affecting traditional leaders and the community.
The chief pleaded with the minister to address challenges facing traditional leaders, particularly in regards to ending child marriages, appointment and remuneration of traditional leaders.
He made the request on Friday during an all-stakeholders interaction meeting held by the Minister in Beitbridge on Friday.
Chief Tshitaudze highlighted the alarming rate of child marriages in Beitbridge.
He said so far the district was leading in cases reported in 2024, and urged the minister to support initiatives to combat this practice.
The chief emphasized that child marriage is destroying futures and called for collective action to stop it.
“We seek your help honourable Minister in addressing this troublesome problem in our community where children are being married before reaching the age of 18 years. To make matters worse, we are also a leading district in cases of teenage pregnancies,” said Chief Tshitaudze.
He said although efforts were underway to end the scourge with the support of other partners, the community needs the full support of the provincial minister.
The rising cases of child marriages and teenage pregnancies is also reported to be driving new HIV/Aids infections in the province.
The chief requested the minister’s assistance in improving access to education facilities, citing the need for more high schools and vocational training centers in Matabeleland South.
This, he said, would help reduce school dropouts and substance abuse among youths.
“Some of the challenges faced by traditional leaders include the need for better compensation and support and the confirmation of new appointments. We can do more working with motivated community leaders,” said Chief Tshitaudze.
@tupeyo
Bongani Ndlovu