Students and Youth Working on Reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT) is unwavering in its dedication to safeguarding children’s and adolescents’ rights. We stand in solidarity with law enforcement on the recent arrest of the leader of the Gore Jena Penyeranyika sect, Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa and the seven other senior leaders in Nyabira. This arrest highlights the ongoing issues of underage marriages, abuse, and exploitation that are affecting vulnerable communities.

The Nyabira-based cult is an example of how the abuse of children in religious settings is an affront to fundamental human rights and dignity. Of the 251 children under the age of eighteen discovered in the Nyabira-based cult, 246 did not have birth certificates and were being utilized for a variety of physical work. Additionally, the police verified that each child of school age was not enrolled in formal education, instead they performed acts of cheap and hard labor under the pretense of learning life skills.

A cult member even further stated that formal education institutions are despised by God because of the lessons imparted there, which conflict with his precepts. SAYWHAT vehemently denounces such actions and highlights the pressing need for coordinated action to address the underlying problems sustaining these injustices.

SAYWHAT is unwavering in its advocacy for the protection and safeguarding of children through its Child Protection Unit and the 577 toll-free number. We encourage communities to use the toll-free 577 to quickly report any instances of abuse or exploitation. SAYWHAT will continue to play its role together with the Department of Social Development and the Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit to ensure every child grows in a safe and nurturing environment that is free from harm.

SAYWHAT also takes this opportunity to express sorrow of the disheartening outcome of underage marriages and teen pregnancies shown by the tragic story Yeukai Dandara and recognize the significance of making perpetrators accountable for their actions. Every child whose rights have been infringed deserves justice.

SAYWHAT acknowledges the importance of education and knowledge in thwarting social and religious injustices, and we are implementing various programs aimed at empowering children, adolescents, and youth to assert their education and health rights. Key initiative in this area is the free online school, Smart Learners Hub available at: https://smartlearnershub.net/ which provides information on Reproductive Health and Rights. In addition, we also acknowledge the collective effort required to create a future where every child can thrive free from exploitation and abuse. We call upon policymakers and implementers to take decisive action in addressing similar cases, sensitize the society particularly religious communities on strict regulations essential in ensuring the protection of children’s rights. Promoting gender parity, equality, education, and health requires cooperation between governments, civil society organizations, and local communities.