The Department of Home Affairs has removed the requirement for Muslim marriage officers to reapply for certification every five years.
The new directive from Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber means Muslim religious leaders certified as marriage officers will now be recognised on the same basis as other faith communities, which are certified for an unlimited period.
The change brings these officers in line with other religious groups under the Marriage Act 25 of 1961, removing what the ministry called an “administratively burdensome” renewal process.
“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 of Home Affairs said in a release on Thursday 19 March.
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The Marriage Bill is still to be finalised
The minister’s decision follows discussions with relevant stakeholders who raised the issue with him.
This reform comes after the department introduced marriage certificates that recognised Muslim marriages for the first time in 2024.
“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 Department of Home Affairs will provide further guidance to stakeholders on implementing the decision, the statement said.
