Open Letter to Gen. Constantino Chiwenga, Vice President of Zimbabwe
Dear Gen. Constantino Chiwenga,
I write to you with the utmost respect as your daughter and as a woman who once experienced the deep pain of losing access to her children. Today, I humbly reach out to you on behalf of Marry Mubaiwa, my organization—@Phumulani Minnesota African Women Against Violence—and myself, to plead with you, sir, to allow Marry access to her children.
Sir, I am a great admirer and supporter of your wife, Minnie Baloyi Chiwenga. Her work with children is admirable, and she has earned the respect of many for her efforts to uplift the most vulnerable among us. However, the current situation surrounding Marry’s separation from her children is casting an undeserved shadow over her image and, by extension, your leadership. On social media and in public discourse, I see criticisms that are unfairly directed at Minnie, despite her good work.
As a Shona woman raised to honor the values of family and respect for the head of the household, I understand the importance of a father’s role in the home. As our Vice President and a leader of great influence, your decisions have the power to inspire and unify us as a nation. By granting Marry access to her children, you would not only demonstrate your compassionate leadership but also affirm the deep-rooted value Zimbabweans place on family and reconciliation.
I feel compelled to share my own story with you, sir. I am a mother of three beautiful children. For over five years, I was separated from them due to circumstances beyond my control. Those years were deeply painful—not just for me, but also for my children. Although they are now back in my care, I see the emotional scars they carry. They speak of longing for the presence of both parents in their lives, a longing I could not fulfill during those years of separation.
I believe that no matter the differences between parents, children benefit most when they are given access to the love, guidance, and presence of both. For your children, sir, and for their future well-being, I humbly beg you to consider this. Granting Marry access to her children will not only heal their hearts but also reflect the qualities of a compassionate and visionary leader—qualities we already see in you through your choice of a Christian, nurturing partner like Minnie.
Please know that this plea comes from a place of deep respect, admiration, and faith in your ability to lead not just Zimbabwe but also your family with grace and dignity. I hope that by the time we welcome 2025, this situation will be resolved, and your children will have the gift of their mother’s love alongside yours.
May the Lord bless you abundantly and guide you in all your endeavors.
Yours sincerely,
𝙲𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝙳𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚘
Executive Director
Phumulani Minnesota African Women Against Violence.
P/S: Separating a mother from her children can have profound and lasting impacts on both the mother and the children. These impacts span emotional, psychological, developmental, and social domains. Below is an exploration of the consequences:
Impacts on Children
1. Emotional Trauma
• Feelings of abandonment, rejection, and confusion can result from the sudden absence of a mother.
• Children may develop deep-seated insecurities and fear of losing other loved ones.
2. Mental Health Challenges
• Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Difficulty processing the separation can lead to behavioral issues, anger, or withdrawal.
3. Attachment Issues
• The bond between a mother and child is foundational for healthy emotional development.
• Prolonged separation can disrupt attachment patterns, leading to trust issues and difficulties forming relationships later in life.
4. Developmental Delays
• Emotional distress can impair cognitive and social development, especially in younger children.
• Children may struggle academically due to a lack of stability and focus.
5. Identity and Self-Worth
• A child’s sense of identity and self-worth is often tied to their relationship with their mother.
• Prolonged separation may lead to feelings of inadequacy or shame.
6. Health Outcomes
• Chronic stress caused by separation can weaken the immune system and contribute to long-term health issues.
Impacts on the Mother
1. Emotional Distress
• Grief, guilt, and helplessness are common among mothers separated from their children.
• This emotional pain can manifest as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
2. Social Stigma
• Mothers may face judgment or ostracization from their communities, compounding their feelings of loss and failure.
3. Mental Health Challenges
• Prolonged separation can lead to a decline in mental health, with feelings of hopelessness and despair taking root.
• Mothers often experience a lack of closure, exacerbating emotional wounds.
4. Reduced Parenting Confidence
• A mother may begin to doubt her ability to provide for or nurture her children, affecting her overall sense of purpose.
5. Strained Relationships
• Separation can create barriers to rebuilding the mother-child bond, especially if external influences paint the mother in a negative light.
6. Impact on Livelihood
• The stress of separation can affect a mother’s ability to work or maintain financial stability, further limiting her capacity to reunite with her children.
Broader Societal Impacts
1. Breakdown of Family Units
• Family separations can weaken the social fabric of communities, as family bonds are crucial for societal cohesion.
2. Generational Trauma
• The emotional wounds of separation can perpetuate cycles of trauma, affecting future generations.
3. Economic Costs
