South Africa issues first marriage certificates for Muslim couples

After years of advocacy, the first batch of 33 certificates formally recognises Muslim marriages under the amended Divorce Act of 1979.

Under this law, couples can now request a reprint of their marriage certificates with specifications of a Muslim marriage at R20 ($1.1).

Minister for Department of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber who announced the milestone commended the move, describing it as coming “hundred of years later than it should have been”.

“The Department of Home Affairs is proud to announce that we have issued the first-ever South African marriage certificates officially recognising the “type of marriage” as “Muslim”,” a statement on X said. “This is a major step towards enhancing the dignity of this faith community” and “a celebration of South Africa’s unity diversity.”

Before this, Muslims in the country were limited to the option of either choosing the customary or civil marriage options on the marriage registration form.

Without proof of marriage, particularly women were often denied their rightful claims when their spouses passed away or when the marriage ended.

The Divorce Act of 1979 was amended after President Ramaphosa signed the Divorce Amendment Bill into law in May.

The amendments define what a Muslim marriage is under the Act as well as establish provisions to protect the interests of dependent and minor children in the event of death or annulment of the marriage.