Mate Selection and Courtship Practices in Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) Church: Masofa Conference.

This article examines the Masofa conference, a courtship and mate selection practice within the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) church, aimed at guiding youths toward stable and faithful marriages. Rooted in Shona traditional customs, the Masofa conference involves church leaders facilitating and overseeing the courtship process to promote moral conduct, homogamy (marrying within the church), and timely progression to marriage. While the practice is widely regarded by participants as relevant and beneficial in reducing premarital sex, unwanted pregnancies, and divorce rates, challenges such as potential elder manipulation and the presence of a third party ("Mupurisa") limiting partners' genuine interaction were identified. The study recommends revisiting and refining the Masofa conference to address its weaknesses and better align it with contemporary socio-cultural dynamics, suggesting further research on its impact on marital outcomes.