Arron Nyamayaro
Couples have been urged to leave unhealthy relationships amid a rise in reported cases of spouses killing their partners.
Speaking at The Waiting Wife/Husband Conference in Harare, Hurungwe West legislator Senator Mary Mliswa expressed concern about recent murder cases in which spouses were reportedly killed with axes.
She urged people to put their safety and wellbeing first.
“Life is precious,” she said, cautioning people not to sacrifice their worth for the sake of a wedding ring. She also warned those hoping to marry against ignoring signs that a relationship may be unhealthy.
Mliswa said the conference brought together people at different stages of life, including those who had never married, divorced or widowed people, single parents, and those discerning whether to marry.
“Different journeys. Different chapters. But our worth is not different,” she said.
“Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is walk away from something unhealthy.”
Addressing people hoping to marry, Mliswa said faith should not be treated as a transaction or a guarantee that life will unfold as expected.
“You are not less of a woman because you are unmarried. You are not less of a man because you have not found a wife,” she said. “You are a complete human being, created in the image of God.”
She added that a person’s marital history did not diminish their dignity, and said people did not have to answer intrusive questions about their personal lives.
Mliswa also said waiting to marry should not mean putting life on hold. She acknowledged concerns about age, fertility, finances, children and family expectations, but urged people not to let fear dictate their choice of partner.
“These concerns are real; do not shame people for having them. Seek counsel, make informed decisions and have honest conversations. But do not let panic choose your partner,” she said.
The conference drew a number of young men and women. A panel featuring Reverend Christine Phiri, Dare Remachinda and Mudiwa Hood answered questions from attendees.
Dr Tatenda Cathrine Matirongo, author of The Waiting Wife/Husband, also addressed the gathering. Matirongo is the managing director of the Center for Diabetes Management Hospital, where she has led programmes focused on diabetes management and patient care.
“The book has answers to marriage issues for young men and women, single parents, widows and widowers.
“Today is more than a gathering. It is a declaration: that waiting does not have to mean wasting time. It can be a season of becoming—of growing in wisdom, strengthening our character, deepening our faith and preparing for the love and responsibility we hope to receive.
“From this conference, we believe there will be kingdom relationships—relationships built not only on attraction, but on purpose, honour, friendship, faith and the courage to grow together. love, faith and purpose.
“Our theme is “Building Capacity.” Capacity is the strength to carry what we have been praying for. It is one thing to desire a healthy relationship; it is another to become someone who can help build one. It is one thing to pray for a lasting marriage; it is another to develop the patience, humility, communication and commitment that help a marriage endure.
“Because the waiting season is not a pause in your life.
It is part of your preparation. And preparation is not punishment; it is how purpose gets room to grow,” said Dr Tatenda.
Thembalami and the Joyous Choir provided entertainment.
