Muslim marriage officers will now be recognised on the same basis as other religious marriage officers, the Department of Home Affairs announced yesterday.

The department this week introduced another reform aimed at advancing equality for the Muslim community, following the introduction of Muslim marriage certificates in 2024, reports The Witness.

Such certificates recognised Muslim marriages in South Africa for the very first time.

According to Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber’s spokesperson Carli Van Wyk, the new directive will allow Muslim religious leaders certified as marriage officers to continue their work without needing to reapply for certification every five years.

“This brings their recognition in line with other faith communities, which are also certified for an unlimited period without the need for administratively burdensome renewals,” she says.

Van Wyk states that Muslim marriage officers were subject to a renewal requirement that did not apply to other religious groups for many years.

She says the five-year limitation was originally introduced as a temporary measure while new marriage legislation was developed.

However, as the Marriage Bill (B43-2023) has still not been promulgated, the continuation of this limitation has become even more unjustifiable.”

Van Wyk says the minister reached his decision after consulting Muslim leaders, who had raised concerns over unequal treatment.

“This decision ensures that all marriage officers, including Muslim marriage officers, are treated on equal terms,” Schreiber says.

Schreiber states such reforms are meant to ensure that all members of South Africa’s diverse demographic are able to practice their cultural and religious practices in a dignified manner.

*The teaser of the article has been amended since it was first published.

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