Mzimba chiefs urged to curb early marriages

M’mbelwa District Council has asked chiefs to come up with strict by-laws to eradicate early marriages and promote education in the district.

Mzimba district commissioner Thomas Chirwa said the by-laws should be framed in such a way that they can be used in a court of law.

He said this on Saturday in Traditional Authority (T/A) Khosolo in Mzimba when ActionAid Malawi handed over a school block to Rukuru Primary School and a teacher’s house and toilets to Msambanyifwa Primary School, all worth K16 million. 

Chirwa said the council is ready to compile the by-laws and endorse them for use in court.

“Early marriages affect development. Children drop out of school to go into such marriages. A country can develop only if people go to school, get jobs and embark on various businesses,” he said.

Commenting on the issue, T/A Khosolo said the by-laws would protect the future of children, especially girls who are forced into marriage for parents to benefit from bride price.

He said his area has already come up with by-laws to end early marriages.

“Parents who promote such marriages will be arrested. Girls and boys who refuse to break up will also be taken to court,” said Khosolo. n