Cape Town: Cabinet has welcomed the historic issuing of the first batch of 33 Muslim marriage certificates by the Department of Home Affairs. This landmark development follows the recent legislative changes aimed at acknowledging and safeguarding the rights of Muslim marriages in South Africa.
According to South African Government News Agency, the marriage certificates were issued after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Divorce Amendment Bill into law in May this year. The Bill amended the Divorce Act, 1979 (Act 70 of 1979), to formally recognize Muslim marriages, ensuring the protection of Muslim women and children should such marriages be dissolved.
Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, emphasized the significance of these changes during a media briefing in Cape Town. She stated that the amendments reflect South Africa’s commitment to upholding the rights of Muslim women and children to equality, dignity, and justice, as outlined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996.
Ntshavheni also highlighted that these changes would promote social cohesion, nation-building, and respect for cultural and religious diversity.
The announcement was made following the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting on 6 November 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s legislative history as it strives to honor and integrate various cultural and religious traditions.