This proverb sums up the dating culture of most of the Zezuru, Korekore, Karanga and Manyika people in Zimbabwe at least in the 90s and before who would only marry from within their tribes and boundaries.
Dating was never casual. In recent years with the advent of new technological gadgets like smartphones and laptops, there is a new dating trend which is fast developing in the country: internet dating.
As of , out of the million people in Zimbabwe, about 5. Sites like Metrodate, Topface, DatingBuzz and Evening Touch, to mention just a few are helping boys, girls, men and women find dates. I caught up with one female participant who goes by the user name, Gracy, on one of the sites. One 30 year old, Tendai, feels the same way as Gracy. He says his accounting job has robbed his social life as he is always working. He says these dating sites are a way of refreshing his mind from work.
On the other hand, another female subscriber who goes by the name SandyBabe 20 years old says her desire to meet new people has pushed her to join dating sites. Also, one year-old Harare-based commercial sex worker, who requested to remain anonymous, says dating sites are a haven for potential sex clients. She says most men are shy to negotiate paying for sex in person especially in public but these dating platforms gives room and freedom to her clients to speak their mind.
On the other hand, one year-old Gideon Madzikatidze, says he joined EveningTouch just to have fun. He never thought he would find the love of his life, Aisha. Digging deep into the subject I realised that a lot of people who have used these sites always have interesting stories from their encounters.
