Makanaka’s mother speaks out

By Nyemudzai Kakore

Socialite and former child presenter Makanaka Wakatama protected the father of her children even when her mother was against their union.

Makanaka’s mother Memory Gwata said that she tried to block her child’s early marriage but it was fruitless because Makanaka protected her husband.

Concerted effort to try and expose the child marriage were fruitless as Gwata concealed the information and would make sure Makanaka was kept away from the media.

However, Gwata said by speaking out in support of the launch of the Makanaka Trust, it reflects that she had forgiven Makanaka and it was important that they move on.

“I only knew about my daughter’s pregnancy when she was four months pregnant with the child. I did not know because she had left the country to go and study in the United States.

“She came back without my knowledge. I only got to know that she was back in the country through the media as well as the revelations that she was pregnant,” said Gwata.

Makanaka’s mother sentiments come after Girl Child Network activist Betty Makoni lashed out at the mother and daughter who she accused of refusing help but supported the union and even went on to stay with the alleged rapist.

However, Gwata said she tried to warn her child.

“I tried to stop the marriage with the support of women organisations to no avail. All my efforts were fruitless because Makanaka claimed she loved her husband. As a mother I had no choice but to support my child”.

She said the blame game should stop and focus should be concentrated on the campaign against men who take advantage of young girls.

“There is no need for people to blame her or each other because Makanaka has already taken full responsibility of her actions and the results thereof.

“This is no longer about Makanaka. She is there to tell her story on what she went through because she is a survivor who wants to help. This is about other girls out there who need to get information on the effects of child marriages,” she said.

The trust, which is going to be launched on November 28 as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, would target young girls to get information on the effects of early marriages.

Makanaka said she wanted to rewrite her past by campaigning against child marriages and appealed to the corporate world for support.

“We want to empower other children in the same situation that Makanaka went through. My dream is to see every girl being allowed to fulfil their full potential before they decide on marriage.

“I blocked my mother’s help and other women organisations groups. At that time I protected my then husband. But today when l speak to girls l always tell them we need to listen to our parents, they will guide us because they know better,” she said. The Herald