Muslim religious leaders who are certified as marriage officers will no longer face five-yearly reapplication requirements, bringing them into line with other faith communities.
The Department of Home Affairs has abolished the requirement for Muslim marriage officers to renew their certification every five years, ending a disparity that saw them treated differently from other religious marriage officers under the Marriage Act 25 of 1961.
The reform, announced by Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber this week, means Muslim religious leaders certified as marriage officers will now be recognised for an unlimited period, matching the treatment afforded to other faith communities.
“For many years, Muslim marriage officers were subject to a renewal requirement that did not apply to other religious groups. The five-year limitation was originally introduced as a temporary measure, while new marriage legislation was being developed,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Marriage Bill remains unpromulgated.
The decision follows engagement with stakeholders who raised the issue with Schreiber.
“This decision ensures that all marriage officers, including Muslim marriage officers, are treated on equal terms. Coming in the wake of our implementation of marriage certificates recognising Muslim marriages for the first time in 2024, this reform reaffirms the commitment of Home Affairs under the Government of National Unity to deliver dignity for all members of our diverse South African society, including the Muslim faith community,” Schreiber said.
The 2024 introduction of marriage certificates recognising Muslim marriages marked the first time such unions received formal recognition.
The department said it would communicate further administrative guidance to stakeholders regarding implementation of the decision.
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