Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Joseph Katema says it is disheartening that Zambia has continued to be ranked among top five African countries with high cases of early marriages.
Dr. Katema says he will use this opportunity as Minister of Chiefs to work closely with traditional leaders in finding mechanisms that help in addressing such issues.
Dr. Katema says chiefs have a responsibility to ensure that their subjects do not engage themselves in negative vices such as marrying off their children early.
He has assured the nation that the ugly image putting Zambia among the top African countries with high cases of early marriages will change during his reign as Minister.
He adds that seeing the potential exhibited by traditional leaders in Zambia, there is hope that the country can improve with the full support of the traditional leadership.
Dr. Katema says he will ensure that government with the help of chiefs, embark on an aggressive sensitization campaign to educate the people on the dangers of early marriages.