​As part of the efforts to enhance the socialization, caring, nurturing and supporting capabilities of families so that their members are able to contribute effectively to the overall development of the country, the Gauteng Department of Social Development held a Marriage and relationship seminar at the Sunnyside Hotel in Parktown North of Johannesburg on Thursday.
In his opening remarks, Social Work Services Deputy Director-General, Onkemetse Kabasia, said it should concern everyone that there are so many social challenges that are threatening the institution of marriage.

“It is worrying that despite various interventions such as marriage counselling, the institution of marriage continues to be under a tremendous threat and more so than ever before. The increasing number of divorces is a huge sign that marriage is under threat, and this eventually affects how most of our family’s function”, said Kabasia.

He further indicates that some of the factors that contribute to these problems include substance abuse and gender-based violence which has all taken the centre stage in terms of breaking many families apart.

He said as much as we are talking about the absent fathers in their children’s lives, we must also emphasize the rights of present fathers who want to be part of their children’s lives and they are sometimes denied those rights.

“We should all of us strive to ensure that the rate of divorce goes down”

“As professionals it is required of us to support families, marriages and most importantly, we must contribute to the foundation of good marriages, a marriage that is built with love, compassion and care. We advocate marriages that have rules and values, marriages that embrace mutual respect”, DDG added.

Director for Special Needs and Services to Families, Khanyisile Mathebula said the institution of marriage has been regarded as the central feature of all forms of human society. It lays down the nucleus of society.

Mathebula added that some families are experiencing marriage relation challenges and they are unable to play their critical roles of providing care and protection for their family members. She said that the seminar aims to promote healthy family life and strengthen family support.