Once a milestone eagerly reached in a person’s early 20s, marriage is now being postponed as people prioritise careers, personal growth and independence.

Zululand Observer reports that, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), in modern times, love and commitment are no longer bound by age but by readiness.

Across the globe, the traditional timeline for tying the knot is shifting, and South Africa is no exception.

The latest Marriages and Divorces 2023 report released by Stats SA shows that in 2014, the median age for grooms entering civil marriages was 35, while brides typically married at 31.

Fast forward to 2023, and those figures climbed to 38 and 34, respectively.

Meanwhile, divorce is on the rise as marriage attitudes shift.

As societal attitudes towards marriage evolve, divorce rates are following suit, reflecting a broader acceptance of ending marital unions. According to Stats SA, 22 230 divorces were finalised in 2023, a notable 10.1% rise from 20 196 in 2022.

The data shows that a significant portion of divorces occur within the first decade of marriage. In 2023, 42% (9 326) of divorces involved couples whose unions lasted less than 10 years. The median ages of those seeking divorce were 46 years for men and 42 years for women.

The trend of rising divorce rates is not new, but 2023 saw one of the highest increases in recent years.

Examining the figures from 2014 to 2023 reveals fluctuations in the number of divorces granted, reflecting shifting societal norms and economic factors that influence marriage stability.

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