The meaning of marriage in South Africa, like any part of the African continent, varies considerably.
Regardless of your perception, both traditional and civil marriages remain legal affairs recognized and protected by the law.
So, what is a customary marriage in South Africa?
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For a customary marriage to be acknowledged, certain requirements must be fulfilled.
Here is the meaning, requirements, and registration of customary marriage in South Africa.
Traditional wedding celebrations vary significantly across different communities except for a few standard practices.
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Sepedi traditional wedding is one such exciting celebration that will make you want to hasten your nuptials.
Some communities insist on sharing Magadi or lobola with variant song and dance celebrations.
The slaughter of cattle is often done to welcome the bride into the family.
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What are the requirements for a traditional wedding to be recognized by the law?
Such includes those carried forward before marriage.
Their distinct estates combine to the knowledge and consent of the other.
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The couple who wish to marry out of community of property must sign anante-nuptial agreementahead of their union ceremony.
Both polygamous and monogamous unions are acceptable in the African customary laws as long as they fulfill the requirements.
Noteworthy is that the validity of customary marriages remains intact regardless of the registration status with no ultimate penalty.
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The groom advances such to the family of the bride for customary marriage considerations.
The validity of a customary marriage also takes into consideration the transfer of brides and regulation of prohibited relationships.
Customary marital unions involve lengthy and complex negotiations before settling on reasonable lobola agreements.
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The talks are initiated and sealed commonly by the uncles of the involved partners.
The law prohibits the groom from taking part in the negotiations.
The brand of beer has a traditional value which shows a sign of welcome without necessarily getting drunk.
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Lobola payment takes at least two payments before completion.
Other gifts presented by the groom include pinafores, blankets, walking stick and shawls among others.
What do you know concerning marriage and divorce rate in South Africa?
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The marriage certificate issued after that will serve as proof of customary marriage between the partners.
Important to note is that failure to register a customary marriage does not necessarily invalidate it.
Getting married at Home Affairs is highly desirable because it guarantees the required marriage security should any conflict arise.
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The approval written in Form DHS-32 is fundamental before a traditional wedding ceremony.
Registration of a customary marriage 2019 is simpler and straightforward for the marrying persons.
Involved payments include R20 for an abridged marriage certificate and R75 for an unabridged marriage certificate.
Once issued, the marriage certificate is assumed to remain valid as long as the couple remains married.
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