By Nyoni Tatenda K
The sessions were divided into the “what,” then Q&A was about the “how.” In a rare moment of radical honesty, the panelists tackled the topics usually whispered about in the shadows: sexual health, the legal traps of polygamy, and why Hwange men are cracking under mental pressure.
The “Correct Exam, Wrong Answer Sheet”
The room went silent as Professor Nyahuma addressed sexual health—a topic he says is shrouded in dangerous misinformation.
“Writing the correct exam with a wrong answer sheet,” is how he described many men’s approach to intimacy.
The panel issued a stern warning against “Pornography University,” noting that what works in a movie is a recipe for disaster in a marriage. Nyahuma dropped a scientific bombshell on the “aggressive” nature of sex, explaining that sexual performance is often about “controlled aggression.” If a man cannot control his internal aggression, he “comes too quick.” The takeaway? Self-mastery in the mind is the key to performance in the bedroom.
The Great Debate: Faith, Fidelity, and ‘Barika’
One of the most heated segments involved the choice between polygamy (Barika) and having a “faithful girlfriend.”
- Evangelist Muparinga called the “faithful girlfriend” a myth and a trap. “She doesn’t respect your marriage,” he warned, noting that these relationships often only thrive because they only meet for sex, avoiding the real-world responsibilities of a home.
- Evangelist Marufu was even more blunt: “Girlfriend chihure (infidelity).” He reminded the men that while the Bible supports “one man, one wife,” those choosing polygamy must stop hiding behind religious excuses and do it “chinyararire” (quietly) and officially.
- Attorney Marara provided the sobering legal reality. Legally, a second wife is “safer” than a small house. Why? Because a “small house” still has the legal right to sue for maintenance, but offers the man zero protection. His advice? “Financially and legally, polygamy is stupidity unless you are wealthy.”
Workplace Landmines: Dating the Boss’s “Baby”
When asked about office romances and power dynamics, the panel’s advice was unanimous: Proceed with extreme caution. Phathisani Sibanda joked about the cultural bravado of “conquering” a superior’s partner, but the legal reality is much darker. Professor Nyahuma warned that when workplace relationships go south, women often “take the battle everywhere,” including to the HR office.
“Usadanane nema bhebhi emashefu, unofira mahara (Don’t date the bosses’ women; you’ll die for nothing),” was the blunt warning.
The panel urged men to perform “due diligence” before starting a workplace fling, as the power dynamics can easily destroy a hard-earned career.
Why Are Men Breaking? The Mental Health Crisis
The final segment addressed the root causes of mental illness in Zimbabwe. The Professor identified a toxic cycle: Prolonged financial pressure leads to a total collapse of “coping mechanisms.”
Instead of seeking help, many men turn to “bad coping”—alcohol abuse, drugs like tumbwa, and social isolation—which only increases the pressure until a total breakdown occurs.
Evangelist Marufu added a spiritual dimension, mentioning “kuroiwa” (witchcraft) and the spiritual attacks that target hard-working men. His solution? Divine protection. Phathisani Sibanda summarized the tragedy perfectly: “We are busy repairing men instead of building the boy child.”
The Hwange Chronicles Verdict
The Q&A proved that “Safety and Health at Work” isn’t just about wearing a hard hat or boots. It’s about the legal, sexual, and mental health of the person inside the gear. As the panel concluded: It is okay for a man not to be okay—but it is not okay to stay that way.
