Siphakeme .Mnindwa
A Zimbabwean woman paid her husband back lobola after he refused to help her with chores despite being unemployed in Australia.
The woman sent an anonymous message on X while contributing to the hot debate about her husband helping with chores after moving to the diaspora.
The gainfully employed woman narrated how her “unhelpful” husband kept bringing up the lobola issue whenever she begged him to help with chores. This was even though the hubby was not working.
“Tiri muZim I was the banker. He would provide when he could. Vachiita zvavo zvekuswera kuma shops drinking and enjoying every weekend. I would have to take on consultancy roles to make ends meet. Chavo kuisa marules hee ndibikire I married you, etc.“
The lady completed a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification and told her husband she was moving to Australia because the financial burden was too much for her in Zimbabwe. Her husband reminded her that he was the man of the house, and she asked what he was providing in the house.
After the strong clap back, he agreed to relocate to Australia. The woman went first, and he followed later with the children.
In Australia, the man never changed. However, the environment was tough for him. The woman recounted:
He would refuse to do chores or help with the kids. Arwadziwa as well because life yekungoswera pa Londoner/Homeground (pub) haiko kuno. Formal employment was a lot for him because zvechi dealer kwakusisina. Since I had experience, I was the breadwinner, and I didn’t mind because I always was, but he never wanted to meet me halfway aibva ati I married you.”
One day, the lady got frustrated by the constant reminders that her husband had paid lobola, and she had to do everything. She resolved the issue drastically:
“Ndakazongomupa US$5 000 yacho ndikati mari yawakaroora iyi and this is goodbye from me. I have gained weight, and I’m glowing. He is struggling badly apa I took him to the authorities, so he pays child support.”
She added that her former husband struggles to clean his place or feed and bath the children when they visit on weekends. Life is so tough for him that he is now begging his ex-wife to take him back. (iharare.com)
