In many parts of Africa divorce often carries a heavy stigma, leaving women vulnerable and disempowered.
But imagine a place where the end of a marriage is not just accepted, but celebrated, a joyous declaration of newfound freedom and opportunity.
Such a place exists in the North African nation of Mauritania.
Here, a unique cultural phenomenon, often described as a "divorce market," showcases a matriarchal Moorish culture where women enjoy remarkable autonomy, and remarriage is not just encouraged but actively celebrated.
In Mauritania, divorce is common, with some estimates suggesting that nearly a third of all marriages dissolve.
What sets this country apart is the celebratory atmosphere surrounding a woman's divorce.
Instead of shame or sorrow, women often find themselves at the centre of elaborate festivities.
"Divorce parties," far from being sombre affairs, are vibrant gatherings filled with music, dance, and feasts, where the woman, surrounded by friends and family, rejoices in her newfound freedom.
These events are not just social gatherings; they serve as public declarations of a woman’s availability for remarriage, openly inviting new prospects.
Here, women hold significant social and economic autonomy, and their experience from previous marriages is highly valued.
A woman with a history of marriage is often seen as a more desirable prospect than a young, inexperienced bride.
This empowers women to initiate divorce if their needs are not being met, actively challenging traditional narratives that often portray women as passive participants in their marriages.
Islamic law and divorce
Mauritania's legal system, governed by Islamic law, includes a crucial provision known as 'khul'.
This allows a wife to seek divorce by compensating her husband, typically by returning the bride price. This legal framework provides women with a significant degree of power in ending their marriages, a rare and progressive feature in many Muslim-majority countries.
Challenges
However, this distinctive system is not without its challenges. The high divorce rate inevitably raises questions about the potential impact on children and overall family stability.
Yet, despite these concerns, Mauritania's "divorce market" stands as a powerful example of how cultural practices can redefine social norms and empower individuals, particularly women, in ways that defy conventional expectations.
A lesson for Africa?
This unique Mauritanian approach could offer valuable insights for other African countries grappling with the complexities of traditional marriage and divorce.
Encouraging a more supportive and celebratory environment for women navigating divorce could significantly reduce stigma and open new pathways for personal growth and remarriage across Africa.
For many Mauritanian women, the end of a marriage is not merely a conclusion, but a celebration of new beginnings and the promise of a brighter future.
*This article was first published by IOL News
Senior Counsel Advocate Matthew Chaskalson has been appointed as the Chief Evidence Leader of the Madlanga Commission tasked with probing allegations of criminality, political interference, and criminality in the criminal justice system.
This takes place amid speculation and uncertainty over Senior Counsel Advocate Terry Motau, who held the position in the high-profile inquiry.
When speculation first swirled over Motau’s future in the probe, the Commission remained mum, emphasising that the focus was on the work of the Commission, which is upholding the rule of law.
The hearings continue with crime intelligence head Lt-General Dumisani Khumalo on the stand at 9:30 am.
Khumalo, a central figure who is expected to assist the commission in “joining the dots,” has been painting a picture of the alleged infiltration of crime cartels in the criminal justice system, particularly the Big Five cartel, which includes the alleged membership of Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and Katiso Molefe.
*This article was first published by SABC News
Godongwana says the thorny issue of immigration is one that requires an objective debate by political parties and not from a position of xenophobia.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has questioned the affordability of metros continuing to provide free services to undocumented foreign nationals, saying the constitution has put the country in a difficult position.
Addressing the mayors of metropolitan municipalities on Monday to discuss new reforms aimed at improving the management of utility services, Godongwana acknowledged the frustrations expressed by some mayors regarding the strain that unplanned population growth is having on their cities.
Godongwana says the thorny issue of immigration is one that requires an objective debate by political parties and not from a position of xenophobia.
Godongwana says it's estimated that for every 100 people who enter South Africa, at least half of them remain in Gauteng.
This does not include the impact of urbanisation as people from different parts of the country in search of a better life.
Godongwana says he’s sympathetic to municipalities that can't legally deny services, such as healthcare, to foreign nationals.
"The constitution says South Africa belongs to all who live in it, which was a grave mistake."
Godongwana said those words were penned at a different time in the country's history and the toll of immigration on limited resources can't be ignored.
"People must come to our country, legally. The ones who are sitting here illegally in the country, surely we should be sending them home."
He said foreign nationals living in informal settlements are receiving housing even before those waiting in backyard accommodation for years.
*This article was first published by IOL News
Police in North West have welcomed the sentencing of 40-year-old Lesotho national, Elias Tsetla, who received two life terms for raping his girlfriend.
The Potchefstroom Regional Court handed down the sentence, following the brutal attack which took place in Ikageng, Potchefstroom, in January 2023.
According to evidence presented in court, the victim, then 28 years old, arrived home to find Tsetla, who accused her of having affairs. The accused then assaulted and raped her twice.
The matter was investigated by the Potchefstroom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Tsetla was arrested three days after the case was registered. He also faced an additional charge under the Immigration Act after failing to prove his legal status in the country.
Although he pleaded not guilty, the court found him guilty and sentenced him as follows:
Count 1: Rape – Life imprisonment
Count 2: Rape – Life imprisonment
Count 3: Violation of Immigration Act – R3,000 fine or three months’ imprisonment
The court further ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
North West provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone praised the efforts of the investigators and prosecutors.
“We extolled Warrant Officer Jaco Jonker, the prosecutor, advocate Annecke Du Toit and everyone who played a critical role to ensure that the conviction is secured as part of the entities’ commitment to deal firmly with violence against women and children,” he said.
“The SAPS will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who harm women and children are brought to justice.”
Meanwhile, the acting provincial commissioner of police in North West, Major General Dintletse Molefe, said crimes against women and children will not go unpunished.
“This sentence clearly demonstrates our resolve to deal with those who commit heinous crimes against women and children," said Molefe.
Dr Rachel Makhari, director of Public Prosecutions in North West, has also hailed the conviction, stressing that it sends a strong message to perpetrators of gender-based violence.
The convict has been in custody since his arrest.
*This article was first published by IOL News
The East London Magistrate’s Court is set to deliver judgment on Monday morning in the long-running firearms discharge trial of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema.
Malema and his personal protector, Adriaan Snyman, face charges of contravening the Firearms Control Act, including the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The charges stem from an incident seven years ago at the EFF's 5th birthday rally in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.
During the rally, a video captured the moment Malema allegedly fired a rifle near a large crowd. Snyman is accused of handing the weapon to Malema immediately before the alleged discharge.
In court, Malema pleaded not guilty, arguing that the item in question was a fake firearm and contained no live ammunition. He told the court that any object lacking live rounds cannot be considered a firearm, and thus, he had not breached the Firearms Control Act.
The EFF leader further testified that no one at the rally appeared concerned about the firearm, which he claimed served as proof that the weapon was a prop.
The East London Magistrate's Court will deliver its long-awaited judgment on the matter on Monday morning.
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
Former African National Congress (ANC) president Thabo Mbeki said one of the problems the party faced was people who joined it for personal gain.
Former African National Congress (ANC) president Thabo Mbeki said one of the problems the party faced was people who joined it for personal gain.
Mbeki addressed the KwaZulu-Natal ANC structures during a political school class in Durban on Saturday.
The party invited Mbeki to add his input as it works to regain the decline of support in what used to be its stronghold.
Mbeki said that in the past, people used to join the party to advance the fight for liberation but things took a different turn when they became a government party.
"Then we started attracting wrong people. People who were interested in the membership of the party, comrade Convenor raised this thing this morning when he spoke, not to pursue the objectives of the movement but for self-betterment... self-enrichment... and that’s a problem."
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
