Cape Town welcomes Muslim marriage nod on DHA certificates

Muslim marriage gets DHA approval

The City of Cape Town and Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has embraced the formal acknowledgement of Muslim marriage on official Home Affairs certificates.

This comes after Minister Leon Schreiber announced that, following changes made to Home Affairs internal systems, the first batch of certificates for Muslim marriage in South African history has been issued.

The City stated that the step taken by Home Affairs and was most welcome by them, adding that it had great historical significance for so many residents in Cape Town.

“Formal state recognition of Muslim marriages promotes dignity, and is a celebration of our diversity as South Africans. I thank the Minister for this change, especially as it has been achieved so quickly. This change proves that, with focus and care, we can get a lot done. And we can achieve the unity in diversity envisioned in our Constitution, and to which the vast majority of South Africans aspire,” Mayor Hill-Lewis said.

A step towards progression

On Friday, 25 October, the Department of Home Affairs issued 33 marriage certificates for Muslim unions for the first time in South African history, officially recognising the “type of marriage” as “Muslim.”

According to Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber:

“Members of the Islamic faith community have made extraordinary contributions to South Africa’s history for more than 350 years. While it comes hundreds of years later than it should have, it is a personal honour for me to preside as Minister over the granting of marriage certificates recognising Muslim marriages. 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.”

Home Affairs revealed that they had enabled their systems to retroactively recognise Muslim marriages.

Those who would like to request a reprint of their marriage certificate stating that they wish to change the wording to reflect that it is a Muslim marriage can do so at a fee of R20 at the Department.