The Council of Marriage Officers in Eswatini has proposed a new guideline requiring at least 12 pre-marital counselling sessions for couples before they get married. This move aims to address the growing concern of divorce in the country, with 164 cases recorded in the last quarter. According to Council Chairperson Mduduzi Mamba, the proposal is part of efforts to reduce the divorce rate and ensure that couples have a trusted guide to navigate marital challenges.
The Council has drafted its Constitution, Code of Ethics, and Guidelines to govern the operations of marriage officers. These documents make pre-marital counselling compulsory for marriage officers to engage with couples before officiating their marriages. Mamba stated that the council is concluding meetings with marriage officers to allow them to make inputs into the draft documents before they are endorsed. The goal is to have a comprehensive framework in place to support couples in building strong marriages.
The proposed pre-marital counselling programme will cover essential issues such as communication, finances, children born out of wedlock, and sexual fellowship. Each session is expected to last at least an hour, and the 12 sessions can be completed according to the agreement between couples and their marriage officer, as well as their availability. This flexible approach allows couples to undergo counselling at their own pace, potentially over several months.
Mamba emphasized that the initiative is not limited to couples getting married under Civil Rights but also encourages those undergoing kuteka, a traditional Swazi marriage, to approach pastors for pre-marital counselling. He appreciated the Ministry of Home Affairs for collecting data and developing documents that would govern marriage officers. The council's efforts aim to promote healthy marriages and reduce the divorce rate in Eswatini.
The Council has already met with marriage officers in the Hhohho and Manzini regions, with 70 officers in Hhohho making inputs to the drafts. The council plans to visit the Shiselweni region to meet with marriage officers before proceeding to the Lubombo region. These meetings will help the council understand the location, number, and roles of marriage officers per region, ultimately enhancing their ability to build strong homes.
One of the concerns raised by marriage officers is who will pay for the pre-marital counselling sessions. Mamba acknowledged this issue, stating that the guidelines will assist in bringing order once endorsed. The council's goal is to educate marriage officers, who play a critical role in building homes, and ensure they are equipped to provide guidance to couples.
The Council of Marriage Officers in Eswatini is taking proactive steps to address the country's divorce rate. By making pre-marital counselling compulsory, the council aims to equip couples with the necessary tools to build strong, lasting marriages. The proposed guideline is a significant step towards promoting healthy relationships and reducing the number of divorces in the country.
Key points
- The Council of Marriage Officers in Eswatini proposes 12 pre-marital counselling sessions to reduce the country's divorce rate.
- The proposed programme will cover essential issues such as communication, finances, and children born out of wedlock.
- The council aims to make pre-marital counselling compulsory for marriage officers to engage with couples before officiating their marriages.
