NATIONAL NEWS - The Department of Home Affairs has called on members of the public who have not yet registered their customary marriages to do so before the special registration period closes on 31 August.

Registering a customary marriage allows couples to regularise their marital status.

Older customary marriages also qualify

The registration process applies to customary marriages concluded before the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act came into effect in November 2000, as well as those concluded after the Act came into effect but were not registered within the required timeframe.

The department has urged qualifying couples not to delay their applications.

“Qualifying couples are urged to register without delay to avoid unnecessary queues as the deadline approaches,” the department said.

Registration available at Home Affairs offices

Further information on registering a customary marriage can be obtained from local Home Affairs offices across the country.

Traditional leaders, community leaders and civil society organisations have also been encouraged to raise awareness and ensure that affected couples are informed about the approaching deadline. – SAnews.gov.za

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