Marriages in South Africa

Marriage civil 4.9% and 12.5% customary marriages, civil unions 15.2%, Common law marriage, Religious marriages

Civil union marriage: as a state institution is governed by the states laws and regulations. In some countries any religious or customary ceremony must be held separately from, and usually before the required civil ceremony. While in many countries (Including South Africa) both can be held together.

Religious marriages: can easily become a serious point of contention. This happens because parents sometimes refuse to give their blessing to a coupe if they don’t follow their specific religious rituals.

A South Africa was one of the first countries (2006) in the world to recognize civil union marriages/ partnerships to accommodate same gender couples. There are only a limited number of designated marriage officers in South Africa who are qualified to solemnize such marriages/partnerships.

Customary marriages: can be monogamous or polygamous. Polygamy means that a male older than 18 years of age can marry more than one wife. A customary marriage can only be concluded in accordance with customary law. Customary law is defined as the customs and usages traditionally observed among the indigenous African peoples of South Africa and which forms part of the culture of those people.

Common law marriage: sometimes called sui juris marriage, informal marriage or marriage by habit and repute, is said to have occurred when two people have been living together in a domestic partnership for a certain length of time but where never joined in a marriage during a specific marriage ritual or their marriage was never registered in a civil registry.