Customary Marriage Versus Civil Union

If you are thinking of getting married, here is a breakdown of the difference between a civil union and customary marriage

- Boitumelo Matshaba

WHEN your man proposes and you are both ready to start this new chapter in your lives, you need to know what you are getting yourself into by knowing the difference between a traditional and civil union and legal repercussions of a legally binding marriage.

MARRIAGES IN SOUTH AFRICA

The registration of customary marriages and civil unions is managed by the Department of Home Affairs.

There have been many fraudulent marriages reported to Home Affairs in the past and the department has created a way in which you can check your marital status by calling the department's call centre.

According to Home Affairs, to register any kind of marriage, you will need your ID, and if you are a foreign national, you will need your passport.

The department also states, “If any of the people getting married are divorced, then the final decree of divorce should be provided. If any of the people getting married are widowed, the death certificate must be submitted.”

You will also need two witnesses to sign the marriage register.

CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE

A customary marriage can be entered into in accordance with the traditions and customs of African customary law.