Zimbabwe faces divorce epidemic

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

A disturbing trend has emerged in Zimbabwe, with divorce and separation rates skyrocketing to alarming levels. According to recent court records, more than 2,100 couples divorced last year alone, while an additional 1,061 have separated since the beginning of 2024.

The High Court in Harare has been particularly overwhelmed, handling a staggering 1,539 divorce cases last year. Bulawayo High Court saw 392 divorces, while Masvingo, Chinhoyi, and Mutare courts dealt with 92, 36, and 90 cases respectively.

The situation has worsened in 2024, with the Bulawayo High Court hearing over 600 divorce cases, accounting for more than half of the total cases filed in the country so far this year.

Experts attribute this surge in divorce rates to a combination of factors, including economic hardship, social pressures, and changing societal norms. The country's economic instability, characterized by high inflation and unemployment, has undoubtedly strained relationships and led to financial disputes. Additionally, rising expectations and changing attitudes towards marriage and family have contributed to the breakdown of relationships.

The increasing number of divorce cases has placed a significant burden on the judicial system, which is already struggling to cope with a backlog of cases. This has resulted in lengthy legal processes, causing emotional distress and financial hardship for those involved.