Govt reveals concerning divorce stats in Kagiso
The Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted a Marriage Week Seminar in Kagiso in response to the overwhelming number of fragmented marriages in the country.
According to Statistics South Africa, 16 097 divorces were granted and 89 338 civil marriages of South African citizens and permanent residents were registered at the Department of Home Affairs in 2020.
Several children were affected by the divorces, and they are more likely to experience interpersonal or intimacy problems. Research indicates that they may also experience learning problems, become pregnant out of wedlock and struggle to keep a job. These numbers on divorces in South Africa are a cause for concern, hence the Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted a Marriage Week Seminar at Chief Mogale Hall in Kagiso last Friday, September 9. National Marriage Week is celebrated annually from September 1 to 7.
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A statement issued by the Gauteng Department of Social Development described National Marriage Week as a response to the overwhelming number of fragmented marriages, and it seeks to highlight the importance of marriage as a fabric that holds families together.
The seminar sought among other things to make marriages a national issue in the media and with policy-makers, promote the benefits of marriages, show that stronger marriages bring economic stability to individuals and the nation, and it provides the best environment for children to thrive.
Khwathelani Mapatha Nefolovhodwe, the Department’s West Rand region community development practitioner, motivational speaker and author, gave some tips to married couples at the seminar.
My advice especially to women is, please never disrespect or shout at your husband in public because if you do so, he will stop loving you. I know what I’m talking about, I have been married for more than five years. If you respect one another and communicate better in marriage, you will enjoy your marriage.”
The department said they will continue to strive to strengthen families in society and they offer several services to families such as counselling and mediation. If you need help you can visit any of their offices.
