Since the beginning of the year, Bulawayo has recorded shocking divorce statistics, with 139 applications submitted to the High Court before the end of February.
Of the 139 divorce cases brought before the High Court in Bulawayo, nine have already been decided, highlighting the seriousness of this trend.
Last year, Bulawayo recorded 658 divorces, with Judicial Services Commission statistics indicating an upward trend in divorces in the region.
In 2020, a total of 1,117 couples filed for divorce across the country, and the number rose to 1,351 in 2021.
Last year the number doubled to 2 735 cases across the country compared to 13 436 registered marriages
Official statistics indicate that an estimated 20 percent of registered marriages in Zimbabwe are likely to end in divorce, which analysts say is a worrying social trend.
In many societies, divorce is often considered a last resort, but the outcome often negatively impacts both parties, their children, their family, and society.
The reasons behind the dissolution of marriage remain a source of concern to society.
In interviews, social commentators and family law experts attributed the rise in divorces to several factors, including infidelity, gender-based violence, and socioeconomic challenges, among others.
They also cited social media misuse and poor communication as major causes of divorces across the country.
Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA) Regional Director, Ms Sithulo Ncube, said some of the main reasons for divorce are gender-based violence (GBV) and lack of commitment, which is the most common reason for divorce.
“Marriage isn’t always easy, and for it to work, it requires both spouses to be committed to the union and serious about making it last.
“That’s why it’s not surprising that lack of commitment can spell disaster for the couple,” she said.
Local lawyer Tinashe Runganga said the main path to divorce is the intersection of cultures.
He said in African culture and tradition, divorce is considered taboo, but with the development and intensification of the world, divorce has become as inevitable as death.
“Living together before marriage is one indicator of the possibility of divorce. Couples who do not cohabit before marriage have a union that lasts longer compared to those who live together before tying the knot,” Mr Runganga said.
“Marital stability within a couple’s social network also plays a role in whether or not their union will last. Couples who have divorced friends are at greater risk of ending their marriage.
Leader of the Africa Council of Churches, Dr. Rocky Moyo, said the reasons for divorce varied depending on the situation, saying some were caused by infidelity, financial challenges, lack of communication and intimacy, violence within the institution of marriage and unresolved conflicts.
“Infidelity is another major reason for divorce. When marriage is supposed to be monogamous “If one party fails to fulfill this commitment, trust can be lost and the marriage may be irretrievably broken,” he said.
Domestic violence also contributes to the rise in divorces, Dr Moyo said.
“Domestic violence is a serious crime, and is also common among divorcing couples. An uncontested divorce arranged through a mediator may not be the best approach despite its benefits in normal situations,” he said.
Dr Moyo said lack of knowledge about what marriage entails also contributes to divorce.
Family counsellor, Ms Nonhlanhla Gwebo, said basic incompatibility and money issues were among the main factors behind the rise in divorces.
She said that the last straw in divorce was caused by infidelity, domestic violence and drug abuse.
“There is not just one factor that leads to the end of a marriage. Couples may face many problems. People who dissolve their unions usually report that there will be a tipping point that pushes them over the edge,” she added.
“When there was the last straw, infidelity was the most common issue that eventually led to divorce. When a marriage ends, there is often a lot of blame.”
Ms. Thandulwethu Mafu, a psychologist, said gender equality, which has led to women going to work and sometimes becoming breadwinners, also contributes to the breakdown of marriages.
“Women used to stay at home while their husbands went to work to support the family. Today things have turned around as women are now slowly becoming breadwinners for their families,” Ms. Mafu said.
“Most men fail to accept that their wives can take care of them. Such exchange in family roles has sparked disputes where men end up feeling inferior. Chronicle
