For illustration purposes.
The Department of Home Affairs has urged couples who have not yet registered their customary marriages to do so before the special registration period closes on August 31.
The registration process allows couples to formalise and regularise their marital status and ensures that their customary marriages are officially recognised.
The department said the special registration period applies to customary marriages concluded before the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act came into effect in November 2000, as well as marriages entered into after the Act came into effect but which were not registered within the required timeframe.
Home Affairs has encouraged qualifying couples to register their marriages as soon as possible, warning that waiting until the final days could result in longer queues and delays at offices.
“The department urges qualifying couples to register without delay to avoid unnecessary queues as the deadline approaches,” the department said.
Couples seeking to register their customary marriages can obtain further information and assistance at their local Home Affairs offices across the country.
The department has also called on traditional leaders, community leaders and civil society organisations to play a role in spreading awareness about the registration process and the approaching deadline.
“Traditional leaders, community leaders and civil society organisations are also encouraged to help raise awareness and ensure that affected couples are informed of the approaching deadline,” the department stated.
With the deadline fast approaching, couples who qualify for the special registration period are encouraged to visit their nearest Home Affairs office without delay to ensure their customary marriages are properly registered.
