Last chance for couples: Register your customary marriage by end of August

Couples are reminded to register unregistered customary marriages by the end of August.

Couples who have not registered their customary marriages have just six days left to do so before a special registration period closes on August 31, 2026.

The Department of Home Affairs is urging qualifying couples to register their customary marriages before the deadline to ensure their marital status is formally recognised and avoid last-minute queues at Home Affairs offices.

The special registration period, which opened on September 1, 2024, allows couples whose customary marriages were not registered within the prescribed period to regularise their marital status.

This includes customary marriages entered into 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.

The department is urging those who qualify not to delay their applications as the deadline approaches.

“The Department urges qualifying couples to register without delay to avoid unnecessary queues as the deadline approaches,” the department said.

The department is also calling on traditional and community leaders, as well as civil society organisations, to help spread awareness about the approaching deadline and ensure that affected couples are informed.

The registration process is important for couples seeking formal documentation and recognition of their customary marriages.

Home Affairs said members of the public who need information about the application process or supporting documents should visit their nearest Home Affairs office.