Don't marry 'in community of property'—Boko
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Tuesday October 21, 2025 11:25
In his address over the weekend during the Botswana Commissioner's Run, Boko stated that they are challenged as communities and a nation because drugs have invaded the country, dislocating families and damaging relationships.
Boko stated that the same drugs are causing trauma and deaths, and it is their responsibility to fight against such. Furthermore, Boko said that the family is also threatened, and the institution of marriage is under severe stress and strain.
The President added that the rate of divorce in the country is very high, even compared to those across the globe. He indicated that there is a backlog of about 2,000 divorce cases pending at the High Court. 'People who want out can't wait to get out of their marriages, but that does not include those who are still within but are unhappy,' he added.
Boko indicated that about 80% of people in marriage are unhappy because some are trapped. He indicated that the same people are stuck because of issues relating to property particularly marriage in community of property, and that leaving would mean a division of the property.
He highlighted that some are stuck because they want to keep up appearances. 'You are afraid of what your pastor, neighbours, and community will say if you divorce. So, many people are still trapped in unfulfilling marriages because they are afraid that they will be disparaged, scorned, and rebuked by the community,' he added.
Boko said that those who want to get married need to understand that every union is not automatically in community of property. He indicated that he has advised prospective couples that they should get married out of community of property because when the time comes for one to leave, one's difficulties will be lessened.
He said that this is not to encourage breakups or divorces but to acknowledge a reality that, in the event it happens, it should be easy without hostility, acrimony, and violence.
Boko indicated that the bulk of the acrimony arises from the shared estate and property. 'Please get married out of community of property, and that's a lawyer's advice. When you are unhappy and unfulfilled, seek the intervention of family members, friends, and religious leaders,' he added.
Additionally, he also advised women to modulate, be measured, and restrained in how they speak to their partners. Boko also said that even when one is wronged, they should exercise self-restraint and speak in a manner that doesn’t invite immediate danger to themselves. He stated that there is so much emotional abuse in relationships, and that words are like weapons that can wound and injure someone irreparably.
'That is my advice to women, but the ultimate is that when it is not working, just leave,' he added. He also encouraged men to moderate their reactions even in the face of grave provocation. Boko said that they should be measured, calm, and ever the protector.
'Protect even the person who is insulting you and undermining you at that point. That is the mark of greatness, and that is what manhood is. Manhood is about protection and giving comfort and assuring safety, even in the face of provocation. Please avoid the temptation to resort to violence,' he said. Ultimately, Boko stressed the importance of minimising tension and avoiding substance abuse, which can exacerbate relationship problems. By working together, families and communities can build stronger, more resilient relationships.
* About 2,000 pending divorce cases
* 80% of people are reportedly in unhappy marriages