Runaway Fathers Leave Young Mothers Struggling in Tsholotsho
Valencia Ndhlovu
Matebeleland Pulse Reporter
In the quiet rural communities of Tsholotsho, a troubling pattern is emerging, young men arriving from different parts of the country in search of work, only to leave behind young mothers struggling to raise children alone.
These men are often employed as caretakers, looking after houses for owners who live and work in countries like South Africa or in other urban centres. While they temporarily fill labour gaps, their presence is creating long-term social challenges for the community.
A 21-year-old mother, Mbalenhle, shared her experience of abandonment after falling pregnant at a young age.
“I had my child when I was 18, and since then I have been raising the child on my own,” she said. “The father left the area, and I do not know where he is. He is not taking any responsibility, so everything is now up to me.”
Her story reflects the reality faced by many young women in the area, some still teenagers, others in their late teens and early twenties who enter relationships with these migrant workers, only to be left behind when the men move on in search of other opportunities.
Tsholotsho, Ward 17 councillor, Church Ncube, said the situation is deeply concerning.
“It is very painful to see so many children growing up without fathers and without proper support,” said Ncube. “In most cases, young girls end up staying with their grandmothers, who are already struggling financially. This often results in children failing to attend school consistently.”
Ncube added that attempts to trace the fathers are often unsuccessful.
“These young men sometimes come without proper identification, and when families try to follow up, employers say they do not know where they went, as they were only temporary workers. This has led to conflicts between families,” he said.
However, one employer, Dominic Ndlovu, offered a different perspective, arguing that such situations fall outside the responsibility of employers.
“Our role is strictly professional. Once the employee leaves the job, the contract is finished,” he said. “Relationships are personal matters between the individuals involved. If the boy decides to leave, that is not the employer’s problem.”
Ndlovu explained that employers can only provide the information they have on record if approached by the girl’s family.
“If they come asking, we give them the details we have. If it leads nowhere, it is not something we can be held accountable for,” he said.
Sandra Gama, Executive Director of The Girls Table, said the issue reflects deeper structural challenges affecting vulnerable girls.
“What we are seeing is a serious social concern linked to poverty and vulnerability,” she said. “Many girls lack access to basic needs such as school supplies and sanitary products, making them more susceptible to unstable relationships.”
She added that the temporary nature of the men’s employment contributes to a lack of accountability.
“Because these men are not rooted in the community, they may feel less responsible for the consequences of their actions. When pregnancies occur, they often leave, abandoning both the young women and their children.”
Gama emphasised that stronger protection systems and community awareness are needed.
“Communities must understand that in cases involving minors, this is not a relationship but abuse, and it should be reported. At the same time, girls need access to information, safe spaces, and support systems that reduce their vulnerability,” she said.
Community leaders say the issue has been discussed at local leadership level and communicated through village heads, but it has not yet been fully addressed within the wider community.
Experts say solutions must include stronger community awareness, improved economic support for vulnerable girls, and better enforcement of child maintenance laws to ensure fathers take responsibility.
For young mothers like Mbalenhle, however, the reality remains immediate raising a child alone, with little support and an uncertain future.
