The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has made history by issuing the first-ever South African marriage certificates that officially recognise the type of marriage as Muslim.
A first in the history of South Africa
The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, announced yesterday, 25 October 2024, that the DHA has issued the first-ever South African marriage certificates officially recognising the type of marriage as Muslim. This was after implementing necessary changes to the Department’s internal systems. The first batch of these types of marriage certificates comprised a total of 33 marriage certificates.
‘A personal honour’ for Home Affairs Minister
Schreiber said that it was a personal honour for him to preside as minister over the granting of marriage certificates recognising Muslim marriages. He recognised that members of the Islamic faith community have made extraordinary contributions to South Africa’s history for more than 350 years. He added that the issuing of these marriage certificates is overdue by hundreds of years.
“This is a major step towards enhancing the dignity of this faith community, and reflects the ongoing commitment of Home Affairs to deliver dignity to all our valued clients. It is also an expression of nation building, and a celebration of South Africa’s unity in diversity, ” said Schreiber.
What documents do you need to get married?
On the day of the marriage a couple must present the following documents to the person officiating at the wedding:
- Identity documents (for each person)
- For a marriage of a foreign national and a South African citizen, both individuals must present their valid passports. Also, they will have to supply a completed BI-31 form.
- If a minor (a person under the age of 18 years) enters into a marriage, the DHA requires special consent. The DHA requires the written consent of both parents / legal guardian / the Commissioner of Child Welfare / a judge on the DHA-32 form.
- If any of the individuals who are entering into the marriage are divorced, they must supply the final decree of divorce.
- If the person entering into the marriage is widowed, they must submit the deceased spouse’s death certificate.
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