By Beverly Bizeki
Traditional leader Chief Ndanga, born Wilson Makono, has sounded the alarm over rising HIV infections in Zaka District of Masvingo, particularly in the Ndanga area blaming the trend on growing infidelity among married couples and a reluctance to seek medical treatment.
Speaking during a development engagement meeting with MPs and village heads at Chipezeze Primary School in Ward 7 on June 14, Makono said Zaka had become the leading district in Masvingo in terms of HIV prevalence.
“Zaka district had 11.06 percent which means it is the highest contributor of people living with HIV in Masvingo. We do not have a dam called Tokwe Mukosi but we have a title given to us of some Tokwe Mukosi’s (informal name given to young sex workers after young girls relocated from Tugwi Mukosi went into prostitution). At Gumbo there are brothels and there are girls who camp there in search of clients.
“We have more at Ndanga Business Centre and all those areas are under Chief Ndanga,” said Mukono.
He said though there were sex workers, their contribution could be minimal because they take precautionary measures, but the hidden extramarital affairs among married individuals that pose a greater risk to public health.
“Chimbavha chemudzimba chawandisa muri kubirana (infidelity is on the rise). Those into sex work protect themselves but imi vechimbavha vezve husiku (people who sneak during the night just engage in sexual activities without protection). Married men and women are the most affected. Infidelity has increased,” Said Makono
He questioned the root causes of the growing trend, suggesting that people should consider lawful polygamous arrangements instead of engaging in secret affairs.
“What causes this? Is it because of demons? Since the law permits, why don’t you just marry more women and have many wives? If a lady decides to have many partners, find somewhere where you can fit. Nyaya yekuchachura ndoyaita kuti zvirwere zviwande (Infidelity has brought about the spread of diseases). We can’t progress like this because the same people who are not loyal do not want to expose themselves as well for fear of accountability, they don’t want to seek treatment and we will end up losing our lives. Let us be faithful people,” said Makono.
He also used the platform to address other social issues, including the recent death of a teenage bride in Zaka due to childbirth complications. Chief Makono called for stricter monitoring of religious sects in rural communities.
“We are not against any religious sects but let them have limits. Section 16 of the constitution speaks about culture. Every person in Zimbabwe must respect our Zimbabwean culture. For that reason, every church must be made known to the village head. The village head must monitor these churches regularly because some things happening in these churches are outrageous,” he said.
Chief Makono’s comments reflect increasing concerns by traditional leaders over the intersection of culture, health, and morality in rural communities facing persistent public health threats.
