Tell us what is on your mind

Men can now adopt their wives’ surnames. We asked locals how they felt about the modern twist on tradition.

October 8, 2025

Luccia Mashel Less than a minute

Jenise Lourens: I don’t agree with a man taking his wife’s surname. Traditionally, the man is the provider and represents masculine energy. He is the head of the household and should remain so in every sense of the word.

Following a recent Constitutional Court ruling, men can now choose to take their wives’ surnames, after the court declared Section 26(1) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act unconstitutional for unfair discrimination based on gender. What are your thoughts on this?