Muslim marriages are formally recognised in South Africa
At a fee of R20, clients can request a reprint of their marriage certificate.
After changes to its internal systems, the Department of Home Affairs has granted the first batch of 33 marriage certificates for Muslim marriages for the first time in South African history.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said: “Members of the Islamic faith community for over 350 years made extraordinary contributions to South Africa’s history.
“While it comes hundreds of years later than it should have, it is a personal honour for me to preside as minister over granting marriage certificates recognising Muslim marriages.
“This is a major step towards enhancing the dignity of this faith community. This reflects the ongoing commitment of Home Affairs to deliver dignity to all its valued clients. It is also an expression of nation-building and a celebration of South Africa’s unity in diversity.”
Home Affairs stands ready to assist all clients who similarly wish to have a Muslim marriage formally recognised.
Additionally, the department has enabled its systems to recognise Muslim marriages retroactively.
At a fee of R20, clients can request a reprint of their marriage certificate specifying they wish to change the wording to reflect that it is a Muslim marriage.
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