The national Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the provincial Department of Social Development and the City of Mbombela, hosted the National Marriage Week event at Mbombela Stadium on Friday, November 21.

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The theme was “Unbreakable – Marriage: Source of hope, spring of renewal and pursuit of lasting love.” The key speakers included the MEC for social development, Nompumelelo Hlophe. She said they were gathered to celebrate the beauty of marriage.

“Let us focus on building strong, resilient unions, and it is our department’s duty to provide the necessary support for marriage enrichment.”

Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Legal Services director, Nditsheni Maanda, focused on addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

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Nomvulo Mgwenya from Legal Aid South Africa emphasised the importance of registering marriages, particularly customary marriages, to avoid future complications.

Nokuzola Ntiwane from Old Mutual addressed financial wellness, noting that couples often neglect discussing family finances due to income gaps or unrealistic demands.