Lupane’s iDale Labobaba Forum Challenges Men to Reclaim Their Role as Providers

Thembelihle Mhlanga

LUPANE, Zimbabwe — In an effort to address the socio-economic and spiritual challenges facing men in rural Matabeleland North, the Mzola Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church District is hosting iDale Labobaba (The Fathers’ Court), a week-long men’s empowerment forum aimed at strengthening responsible fatherhood, leadership and family wellbeing.

Hosted at Chief Menyezwa’s residence in Dongamuzi, the gathering has attracted men from different political, social, and denominational backgrounds who have come together to reflect on their roles within the family and the wider community.

Organisers say the forum seeks to rebuild confidence among men affected by Zimbabwe’s economic hardships while equipping them with practical and spiritual tools to become responsible providers, leaders and mentors.

Speaking during the forum, Mzola District Pastor Michael Dube said the programme was established in response to the economic pressures that have disrupted many households, leaving some men struggling to fulfil their traditional responsibilities.

“We realised that the changing economic landscape has left many men feeling stripped of their dignity. This forum was established to help develop men into responsible household providers,” said Pastor Dube.

“Our goal is to go back to the basics of manhood, ensuring that a man does not run away from his duties but stands firm as the provider, protector and spiritual leader of his home, regardless of the economic challenges we face.”

The training sessions and interactive discussions are being facilitated by veteran church leaders and marriage counsellors Pastor Reuben Mafefe and Elder Elphas Ncube, who are leading conversations on fatherhood, work ethic, family leadership and personal responsibility.

Addressing participants, Pastor Mafefe said respect within the family should be earned through responsibility rather than fear or abuse.

“Leadership in the home comes with accountability. Men should provide for their families in accordance with God’s instruction from the beginning,” he said.

“When God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, He gave him the responsibility to work and protect. If you fail to provide for your family, you undermine your ability to lead.”

Elder Elphas Ncube urged men to make productive use of local resources, including livestock farming and timber, to improve household livelihoods.

“We are dealing with many broken families because some fathers have abandoned their responsibilities,” Ncube said.

“No matter how small your income may be, your family should see your commitment and effort. God blesses the work of our hands, not our complaints. Let us return home determined to provide through honest work.”

Beyond faith-based teaching, the forum also features practical workshops on financial literacy, agriculture, mental health, and spiritual development.

Participants described the gathering as a safe space where men can openly discuss personal struggles, family challenges, and anxieties without fear of judgement.

Organisers hope the initiative will strengthen families, promote responsible fatherhood, and contribute to community development across Lupane. They also expressed hope that stronger family structures will help address challenges such as gender-based violence and family breakdown, although no evidence was presented during the forum linking the programme to those outcomes.