Hhohho Region MP Tanele Magagula has expressed concern over the high number of divorce cases in Eswatini, questioning whether pastors are still playing their expected role in helping couples preserve their marriages. She believes that pastors are increasingly failing to fulfil this responsibility, particularly when some of them are themselves getting divorced. Magagula made her submission during the portfolio committee debate on the Ministry of Home Affairs' second quarter performance report in Parliament.
Magagula argued that some pastors are no longer preaching the fundamentals of marriage and the importance of maintaining strong family structures. This has created a situation where couples are no longer adequately guided on how to resolve disagreements and challenges within their marriages, resulting in disputes being taken to court rather than being addressed through family structures. She also raised concern over the erosion of family involvement in marriage arrangements.
The MP blamed the increasing influence of modernised marriage practices for the erosion of family involvement in marriage arrangements. According to Magagula, some couples now proceed with marriage arrangements with the involvement of only their pastors and a few church members, leaving their respective families out of the process. She questioned how church members could adequately guide couples when they did not necessarily understand their backgrounds or the family dynamics involved.
Magagula further cautioned against the mushrooming of churches in the country, alleging that some religious institutions are promoting teachings that undermine family relationships. She claimed that certain churches preach that families are demonic and discourage congregants from involving their relatives in marriage-related matters. The MP acknowledged that the Ministry of Home Affairs is preparing an important intervention through its efforts to regulate churches.
Magagula said such regulation could help restore accountability within religious institutions and ensure that churches remain part of the solution in strengthening families rather than contributing to their breakdown. She questioned how pastors could continue teaching emaSwati about the importance of preserving marriages when some of them are themselves going through divorces. The MP declared that pastors have lost their mandate.
The MP warned that the weakening of family structures could have far-reaching consequences for the country, questioning what would become of families and society if the situation continued unchecked. Magagula urged a return to basics, stressing the importance of family involvement in marriage arrangements and the role of pastors in guiding couples. She also questioned the criteria used in establishing churches.
Magagula cited an example of a 20-year-old young man who could wake up one morning and establish a church in Matsapha, attracting a large number of congregants. She suggested that the proliferation of churches needs closer scrutiny to ensure that those entrusted with spiritual leadership understand the responsibility that comes with guiding congregations, particularly on sensitive matters such as marriage and family relationships.
Key points
- Eswatini MP Tanele Magagula raises concerns over pastors' role in divorce cases.
- Pastors' failure to uphold marriage values contributes to rising divorce cases.
- Regulation of churches proposed to address concerns surrounding conduct and teachings of some religious leaders.
