The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has moved to ensure that Muslim marriage officers are now recognised on the same basis as other religious marriage officers under the Marriage Act 25 of 1961.
Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber said the change means Muslim marriage officers will no longer be required to reapply for recognition every five years, bringing an end to what has been described as unequal treatment between faith groups.
According to the department, the five-year renewal requirement was originally introduced as a temporary measure while broader marriage legislation was being developed.
“For many years, Muslim marriage officers were subject to a renewal requirement that did not apply to other religious groups. The five-year limitation was originally introduced as a temporary measure, while new marriage legislation was being developed,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.
The department added that the long-awaited Marriage Bill is still yet to be promulgated.
The decision follows consultations with relevant stakeholders who raised concerns about the disparity in how marriage officers from different faith communities were treated.
“This decision ensures that all marriage officers, including Muslim marriage officers, are treated on equal terms. Coming in the wake of our implementation of marriage certificates recognising Muslim marriages for the first time in 2024, this reform reaffirms the commitment of Home Affairs under the Government of National Unity to deliver dignity for all members of our diverse South African society, including the Muslim faith community,” Schreiber said.
The DHA said it will issue further administrative guidance to stakeholders on how the new arrangement will be implemented.
VOC News
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