Home Affairs Urges Registration of Customary Marriages Before August 2026 Deadline

Posted 18 July 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Family Law

Brought to you by SAnews: The Department of Home Affairs has reminded the public of the upcoming deadline of 31 August 2026 for the special registration window of customary marriages under the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, No. 120 of 1998.

In terms of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, No. 120 of 1998, customary marriages must be registered to be legally recognised. The Minister of Home Affairs introduced a special registration window running from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026 to allow couples to regularise their marital status. This registration drive applies to:

  • Customary marriages concluded before the commencement of the Act on 15 November 2000; and
  • Customary marriages entered into after 15 November 2000 that were not registered within the prescribed statutory timeframe.

Failure to register a customary marriage can lead to significant legal complications, particularly regarding the proprietary consequences of the marriage, inheritance under the Reform of Customary Law of Succession and Regulation of Related Matters Act, No. 11 of 2009, and general administration of deceased estates. Registration provides formal proof of the marriage, which is required by financial institutions, pension funds, and the Master of the High Court.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Ensure that your own customary marriage, or those of your family members, is formally registered at a Department of Home Affairs office before the 31 August 2026 deadline to secure legal recognition and protect spousal rights.
  • For your business: No direct operational obligations; however, human resources and employee benefits departments should advise employees of the deadline to prevent future disputes regarding spousal pension benefits or medical aid dependencies.
  • For your clients: Advise clients with unregistered customary marriages to compile the necessary supporting documents (such as lobola agreements and letters from traditional leaders) and complete the registration process before 31 August 2026 to avoid estate planning and asset distribution complications.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/register-customary-marriages-august-deadline

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