Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWE’S marriage landscape is under pressure.
Divorce cases are exploding with reports showing that at least 500 divorce cases were processed in the High Court in the first 75 days of this year.
Against this background, the arrival of international marriage coaches — Tony DiLorenzo and Alisa DiLorenzo — is likely to be embraced by many married couples who are feeling the strain.The two are experts in finding ways to repair strained marriages and in strengthening family bonds.
The DiLorenzos, whose ‘One Extraordinary Marriage Show’ podcast has a huge following worldwide, are holding a series of high-intensity marriage enrichment sessions under the theme ‘One Extraordinary Marriage — The Africa Tour.’
Their flagship event took place recently at Zimbali Gardens, drawing dozens of couples who were eager to confront challenges in their relationships.“It has been amazing to finally come here,” Tony said.
“The six pillars of the intimacy framework help couples identify cracks in their marriage and address them before those cracks turn into irreparable rifts.
“Marriage is not something that just happens.“It’s work, it’s intention and it requires constant nurturing. We want to give couples tools to do that before it’s too late.”The six pillars — emotional, physical, financial, spiritual, recreational and sexual intimacy — form the backbone of DiLorenzos’ methodology.
Each pillar is presented not as theory but as actionable tools designed to improve communication, trust and connection.“Emotional intimacy is how you communicate. Physical intimacy is non-sexual touch. Financial intimacy is everything about money.
“Spiritual intimacy reflects shared faith practices. Recreational intimacy is about having fun together. And sexual intimacy ties it all together,” Alisa said.
She added:
“We also stress the importance of discussing money before marriage — it’s one of the leading causes of disputes.”
What makes this visit significant is the timing. Divorce and domestic tensions have become increasingly visible, with couples navigating economic strain, cultural shifts, and social pressures.
“Many couples are unaware of how small issues in communication, finances, or intimacy can escalate,” said a participant at Zimbali Gardens.
“This session forced us to confront issues we had been avoiding for years.”
ZimWorX, the company facilitating the DiLorenzos’ visit, framed the initiative as part of a broader social impact effort, highlighting the connection between strong families and strong communities.“Strong families are the backbone of society,” said ZimWorX philanthropy lead Blessing Makwara.
“When couples thrive, communities thrive and ultimately, the nation benefits.”But, this isn’t simply about seminars or corporate social responsibility.
The DiLorenzos’ workshops have been customised to address Zimbabwe-specific challenges, informed by emails and feedback collected from local couples ahead of the tour.
The pair plans to record a special episode of their podcast live in Zimbabwe, giving the country a platform in the global marriage conversation.
Beyond ordinary couples, church leaders, pastors, and chaplains have been included in dedicated clinics, equipping them to provide guidance within their congregations. Upcoming sessions, including a public couples’ picnic, will expand the initiative’s reach to communities outside the urban centre.
The impact of the visit is already evident. Attendees at Zimbali Gardens described the session as a wake-up call, revealing hidden tensions and overlooked areas of neglect.
“It’s one thing to talk about love but another to face the realities of everyday marriage,” said a participant.
“This has opened my eyes to areas I had ignored – emotional communication, financial planning, even recreational time together.
“These pillars are practical and relatable.”
