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By Marlvin Ngiza
Societies have been warned against abusing traditional practices such as “chimutsamapfihwa” which is seen as a perpetrator of child marriages when it is done the wrong way.
Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA) President George Kandiero urged societies to change such beliefs and respect the rights of children.
Kandiero added that the proper way of doing Chimutsamapfihwa is to give livestock such as cattle, not a girl child.
“To some people or societies that are abusing traditional practices please I urge them to change such beliefs, respect the rights of the children, and substitute with livestock, in case of Chimutsamapfiwa, The proper way of doing it was to give livestock like cattle than girl child,” said Kandiero.
Meanwhile, Kandiero said Chimutsamapfihwa is still valid but as custodians of culture undermine the girl child in such practices.
He added that the system has been contaminated by some individuals who are greedy and selfish.
“Chimutsamapfihwa is still valid in its name in the system of our Culture but people are no longer following the concept because of greediness and trust in terms of extended family relationship.
“Traditional practices contributing to chimutsamapfiwa now discourage giving out a girl child. As custodians of Culture we encourage the use of livestock and beliefs change amongst players contribution of traditional practices to child marriages is declining to zero,” added Kandiero.
ZINATHA is an association of experts in dealing with the use of traditional herbs in Zimbabwe.