Last chance for couples to register customary marriages as special window closes on August 31

Couples who have not registered their customary marriages have until 31 August 2026 to do so, the special registration window set up by the Department of Home Affairs will close on that date, IOL reports.

What the deadline means

According to IOL, the department is urging qualifying couples to register their customary marriages before the deadline so their marital status is formally recognised and to avoid last-minute queues at Home Affairs offices.

Who the special registration covers

According to IOL, the special registration period opened on 1 September 2024 and allows couples whose customary marriages were not registered within the prescribed period to regularise their status. The window covers:

• Customary marriages entered into before the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act came into effect in November 2000.

• Customary marriages entered into after the Act came into effect but which were not registered within the required timeframe.

Department advice and community outreach

According to IOL, the department said:

“The Department urges qualifying couples to register without delay to avoid unnecessary queues as the deadline approaches,”

According to IOL, Home Affairs is also calling on traditional and community leaders, as well as civil society organisations, to help spread awareness and ensure affected couples are informed.

How to get information

According to IOL, Home Affairs said members of the public who need information about the application process or supporting documents should visit their nearest Home Affairs office.

The special registration window closes on 31 August 2026.

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