Zuko Komisa

- Couples in unregistered customary marriages have until 31 August 2026 to officially record their unions.
- The two-year special registration window applies to all qualifying unions concluded before or after November 2000.
- Official registration safeguards vital spousal rights regarding inheritance, property ownership and legal affairs.
The Department of Home Affairs has issued an urgent reminder to couples in qualifying customary marriages to register their unions before the special registration grace period closes on 31 August 2026.
Introduced by the Minister of Home Affairs, the special two-year registration window ran from 1 September 2024 to allow couples to formalise their marital status.
The scheme applies to unions entered into prior to the implementation of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act in November 2000, as well as subsequent marriages that were not registered within the standard statutory timeframe.
Home Affairs has strongly cautioned members of the public against putting off the process, warning that a final-week surge could lead to lengthy queues and processing delays across its network of offices.
“The department urges qualifying couples not to wait until the last minute, as this may result in unnecessary queues and delays,” the department stated.
To ensure widespread reach, the department has called on traditional leaders, community representatives and civil society organisations to help spread awareness and encourage eligible couples to apply without delay.
Formal registration provides full legal recognition of a customary union, ensuring that spouses are legally protected in matters of estate inheritance, property rights and administrative proceedings.
Couples seeking guidance on required documentation or the application process are advised to visit their local Home Affairs office ahead of the 31 August deadline.
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