Late marriages: A new era of commitment

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

According to 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 Statistics South Africa 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 have climbed to 38 and 34 respectively.

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

As societal attitudes toward 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 the 20 196 cases recorded 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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