The Reality Behind the 2022 Marriage Act and Its Impact on Zimbabwe’s Marriages: Ziyambi Ziyambi

The Reality Behind the 2022 Marriage Act and Its Impact on Zimbabwe’s Marriages: Ziyambi Ziyambi: The discourse surrounding Zimbabwe’s 2022 Marriage Act has sparked much confusion, particularly on social media platforms. Misleading claims have swirled, suggesting dramatic changes to the legalities of marriage in the country.

In response, Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has been quick to dismiss these distortions. His main message: there’s been no earth-shattering shift in the fundamental structure of Zimbabwe’s marriage laws. What’s truly changed? The establishment of a minimum marriage age, set at 18.

This provision aligns with Section 78(1)(a) of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, ensuring a firm stance against child marriages. Child marriages, a practice rooted in both economic pressures and cultural traditions, have long been a contentious issue. By criminalizing underage unions, the law positions Zimbabwe firmly against the violation of children’s rights.

It’s no surprise that misinformation has muddled the public’s understanding of the Act. Social media posts have twisted the details, inflating the significance of the law’s changes. Minister Ziyambi’s clarification was timely and necessary. The Act, after all, primarily consolidates previous laws governing civil and customary marriages, unifying them under one legal framework.

Under this new legislative order, marriages are categorized into three types: civil marriages, registered customary law marriages, and qualified civil marriages. Civil marriages remain strictly monogamous. They continue to represent the conventional union between one man and one woman, as has always been the case.

Registered customary marriages, which often permit polygamy, remain untouched by the 2022 reforms. In fact, the Act merely preserves the pre-existing legalities, allowing adult Africans to enter into polygamous or potentially polygamous unions.

Perhaps the most novel aspect of the law is the introduction of the “qualified civil marriage.” This new category caters to followers of Islam, reflecting Zimbabwe’s legal system’s acknowledgment of the country’s diverse religious makeup. The qualified civil marriage allows polygamous unions within a legal context that accommodates Islamic traditions.

A noteworthy aspect that remains largely unchanged is the importance of lobola, or bride price. It remains a fundamental requirement for valid customary marriages in Zimbabwe. While some social movements have debated the necessity of this tradition, the law reinforces its significance, showing that traditional practices are still woven into the legal fabric of the nation.

The marriage landscape may not have been overhauled, but the government is taking steps to educate the public about the law’s subtleties. Outreach programs, conducted nationwide, are aimed at ensuring citizens grasp their rights and responsibilities under the new framework.

What is also worth noting is the recognition of unregistered customary unions and civil partnerships, though these are not considered full marriages. Their inclusion in the law, however, means that they now play a role in determining asset distribution, especially in the event of a partner’s death or dissolution of the union.

Such provisions reflect the complexity of modern relationships in Zimbabwe. While not legally recognized as marriages, these unions still bear weight when it comes to practical matters, such as inheritance or the custody of children. The government, it seems, has accounted for the nuances of modern Zimbabwean relationships, offering a more comprehensive legal framework.

The 2022 Marriage Act, though largely consolidative, still presents an evolution of Zimbabwe’s legal approach to relationships. It stands as an effort to harmonize the traditional and modern, the customary and the civil. At its core, this law affirms the government’s commitment to uphold human rights while recognizing the cultural values that continue to define Zimbabwean society.

In dispelling misconceptions, the government’s outreach ensures that the populace doesn’t fall victim to misinformation. Minister Ziyambi’s firm stance on this matter highlights the importance of transparency in legal reforms. The public must be well-informed, especially when it comes to laws that shape their personal lives.

As Zimbabwe continues its journey of social and legal development, the 2022 Marriage Act symbolizes a balanced approach. The law doesn’t forsake tradition, but it firmly draws a line where necessary—most notably, in its complete prohibition of child marriages.

The new marriage laws reflect both progress and preservation, offering a legislative framework that can adapt to Zimbabwe’s evolving societal dynamics.

The Zim Bulletin