The Department of Home Affairs has urged couples in qualifying customary marriages to register their unions before the special registration period closes on 31 August 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the department reminded the public that only a few weeks remain before the deadline for registering customary marriages that were not recorded within the prescribed period.
The special registration window, which runs from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026, was introduced by the Minister of Home Affairs to allow couples to regularise their marital status.
The registration drive applies to customary marriages concluded before the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act came into effect in November 2000, as well as marriages entered into after the law's commencement that were not registered within the required timeframe.
Home Affairs warned couples against waiting until the final days of the registration period, saying a last-minute rush could result in long queues and processing delays at its offices.
"The department urges qualifying couples not to wait until the last minute, as this may result in unnecessary queues and delays," the department said.
The department has also appealed to traditional leaders, community leaders and civil society organisations to assist in raising awareness of the deadline and encourage eligible couples to complete the registration process as soon as possible.
Registering a customary marriage is important because it provides legal recognition of the union and helps protect the rights of spouses in matters such as inheritance, property ownership and other legal and administrative processes.
Members of the public who need information about the registration process or the supporting documents required have been advised to visit their nearest Home Affairs office before the 31 August 2026 deadline. – SAnews.gov.za
