MP says pastors' divorces fuel rising divorce cases
Eswatini MP Tanele Magagula links church leaders' marital issues to family breakdown and questions their guidance.
Hhohho Region Member of Parliament Tanele Magagula stated in Parliament that pastors losing their mandate may be contributing to rising divorce cases in Eswatini. She expressed concern that some pastors are themselves divorcing, questioning who will guide couples if religious leaders fail to uphold marriage values. Magagula believes this failure means couples are not adequately guided on resolving marital disagreements.
During a debate on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ performance report, Magagula noted that pastors' personal divorces raise questions about their ability to teach couples how to handle marriages. She argued that some pastors no longer preach marriage fundamentals or the importance of strong family structures. This lack of guidance leads to disputes being taken to court instead of being resolved within families.
The MP also criticized the erosion of family involvement in marriage arrangements, citing modern practices where only pastors and a few church members are involved. Magagula questioned how church members, unfamiliar with couples' backgrounds, could offer adequate guidance. She also warned about mushrooming churches that allegedly preach against families and discourage involvement with relatives in marriage matters.
Why it mattersEswatini citizens are affected as MP Tanele Magagula suggests that the marital failures of pastors and the diminished role of families in marriage arrangements are contributing to a rise in divorces.