Mother of former ZTV child star Makanaka Wakatama has revealed that she made every effort to prevent her daughter’s early marriage.
The marriage occurred after Makanaka, then a minor, became pregnant by a married businessman. Memory Gwata (the mother) insists she opposed the union—and urges society now to move past assigning blame and unite in protecting other young girls from similar fates.
At age 24, Makanaka has re-emerged in the public eye, not as the despairing former child actress, but as a determined advocate. She has established the Makanaka Trust, aimed at combating child marriage and empowering those affected.
In her own words, Makanaka recalls being thrust into headlines in 2006 when she became pregnant at 15 and entered into a marriage with her partner. By age 17, she had two children. She described those early years as punctuated by “nights of forced sex and violence,” noting that as a naïve and young girl, she had “little knowledge of her rights.”
The public response was harsh. Some labelled her narrative as opportunistic and accused her and her mother of rejecting child welfare advocates who attempted to intervene.
Gwata, however, rejects such criticism. She asserts she sought assistance from women’s organizations and tirelessly fought against the marriage, but Makanaka, believing she loved her partner, resisted all help—including from her own mother. “I had no alternative but to support my child,” Gwata says.
She only became aware of her daughter’s pregnancy when Makanaka was already four months along. Unknown to her, Makanaka had traveled abroad for studies and returned secretly, leaving Gwata to learn of her return through media reports.
Makanaka echoes this, insisting she shut out external assistance, including that of NGOs and her own mother.
Now, both mother and daughter believe it’s time to stop pointing fingers. Gwata emphasizes that her daughter has “taken full responsibility,” and that her current mission transcends personal remorse. “This is not about Makanaka anymore,” she says. “She is using her experience as a survivor to guide others—providing awareness of the consequences of child marriage and advocating for young girls’ rights.”
Makanaka adds a final, poignant message to other girls: “Listen to your parents—they understand, and they want the best for us. I dream of a future where every girl is free to fulfil her potential before marrying.”
