Zuko Komisa
- Muslim marriage officers are now certified indefinitely, removing the previous requirement to reapply every five years.
- This directive ensures the Muslim community receives the same administrative treatment as other religious groups under the Marriage Act.
- The change follows the 2024 implementation of certificates that legally recognise Muslim marriages for the first time.
The South African Department of Home Affairs has implemented a significant reform to ensure that Muslim marriage officers are treated with the same legal standing as those from other religious groups.
Under a new directive from the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, Muslim religious leaders will no longer be required to renew their certification every five years.
Previously, this five-year limitation acted as a temporary measure while new marriage legislation was being drafted.
By removing this administrative hurdle, the government has aligned the recognition of Muslim marriage officers with other faith communities, whose certifications are granted for an unlimited duration.
This move follows the 2024 introduction of marriage certificates that officially recognised Muslim unions for the first time.
Minister Schreiber noted that the reform is a vital step toward ensuring equality and dignity for all members of South Africa’s diverse society under the Government of National Unity.
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