By A Correspondent
In the depths of Zimbabwe’s rural Chiredzi in Chikombedzi, a long-hidden tradition has been silently shaping the lives of adolescent girls for centuries. The Komba ceremony, a secretive rite of passage, has been revered by the Shangani ethnic group as a sacred transition to womanhood. But beneath its cultural significance, a disturbing reality has emerged: a catalyst for early child marriages, and a violation of human rights that can no longer be ignored.
The three-month (June to August) initiation ceremony is meant to prepare adolescent girls for womanhood and marriage, teaching them about sex positions, moves, and sexual activity, the research conducted by the Youth Empowerment and Skills Development Association (YESDA) and Masvingo Women Rights and Advocacy Group (MWRAG) has established.
Mercy Chakona, who went through Komba, recalls the experience as innocent and educational. But she notes that times have changed, and the ceremony now sparks a desire for sexual experimentation among young girls. She suggests that the age limit for participation should be raised to 18 to ensure safety and alignment with modern values.
“I went to Khomba and back then it was educational compared to nowadays. Most young girls who went to Khomba now will be thinking about getting married and I think the age limit for participation should be raised to 18 as it is a ticket to a life a young girl is not willing to choose,” said Chakona.
Village head Dziripi Hobwani echoes Chakona’s concerns, citing an increase in child marriages following the Komba rite. He advocates for strict enforcement of age limits and training for traditional leaders to address child marriages and protect girls’ rights.
“Komba, yes is part of our culture but once a girl goes to Khomba they will be thinking about getting married since they will be taught about marriage.
“The age limit should be 18 years so that young girls will be protected.
Critics argue that Komba perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes and contributes to early childhood marriages, which can lead to health risks, limited education, and economic dependence. Proponents, however, see it as an essential part of their cultural heritage, promoting respect for tradition and community values.
Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) issued a statement accusing the Shangaan people of violating children’s rights by fueling child marriages through some of their cultural practices.
ZGC chairperson Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe said Khomba practice should be barred from cultural practices.
“There should be strict enforcement of the age limit for initiation by local and traditional leaders. To avert child marriages, minors should be barred from Khomba cultural practice,” said Sangarwe.
Esnara Kativhu from Shamwari yeMwanasikana said Shangaan practices violate children’s rights and need an urgent probe.
“Khomba should be investigated closely. There should be a joint venture amongst various stakeholders since it is not an individual thing to decide what intervention measures can be employed,” said Mutendereki.
Zimbabwe National Council for Welfare of Children national director Rev Taylor Nyanhete said traditional leaders are custodians of law and should jealously protect the girl child.
“There is room for reading these issues and traditional leaders should be trained to safeguard the girl child. On issues of child marriages, there should be inclusion of local gatekeepers and traditional leaders,” said Nyanhete.
As the community grapples with balancing cultural heritage and modern realities, the Komba practice remains a contentious issue. While it upholds tradition, its impact on young girls’ lives raises important questions about safety, consent, and the need for adaptation in a changing world.
The Youth Empowerment and Skills Development Association (YESDA) and Masvingo Women Rights Advocacy Group (MWRAG) calls upon the government to ensure the protection of children rights.