“I Eloped at 15, My Parents Brought Me Back”– MP

MOKHOTLONG – Parents must take a firm stand in protecting their children from early marriage and ensure they remain in school, Women’s Caucus member MP ‘Masetota Leshota has told community members in Mokhotlong.

Addressing Khotsang community members during a public hearing, Leshota urged parents to allow children to remain children rather than exposing them to adult responsibilities such as marriage before they are ready.

She questioned why some parents allow their children to be married at a young age, stressing that parents have a responsibility to guide their children and make decisions that safeguard their future.

Leshota drew from her own experience to emphasise her message, revealing that she eloped when she was 15 years old. “My father was very furious when he heard I was married. He fetched me and said not in his house would a child get married. That when the time comes, I would get married at the right age,” she told the gathering.

She urged parents facing similar situations to follow the example of her parents by standing firm and bringing children back to school rather than accepting early marriage as inevitable.

Leshota advised parents to recognise the role they play in determining whether their children remain in school and have the opportunity to build a better future, rather than allowing early marriage to cut short their education.

Her remarks came amid concerns raised by villagers over early and unintended pregnancies, child marriage and school dropout among young people.

While tabling challenges facing them, a community member Mahlabi Ntsatsi said unemployment was affecting families in the area and contributing to challenges facing communities. He further raised concerns about the enforcement of laws, saying that while police do their part after cases are reported, there are delays in the courts.

Area Chief Leshota Sekonyela welcomed the parliamentary delegation, describing the visit as timely given the challenges of child marriage, early and unintended pregnancies in the area.

The public hearing formed part of Parliament’s engagement with communities on issues affecting women and girls, providing legislators with an opportunity to hear directly from residents and gather evidence on challenges requiring policy and legislative attention.

The visit was supported by the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) in partnership with the European Union (EU) as part of efforts to strengthen parliamentary engagement with communities and inform responses to issues affecting women, girls and young people.