Customary marriage in South Africa: Current law, developments and practical implications 2026

This course provides an in depth overview of customary marriage law in South Africa, with a focus on recent legal developments and their practical implications. It examines the requirements, recognition and consequences of customary marriages, evolving case law, and current legislative reform debates. The course is practically oriented and aimed at professionals who encounter customary marriage issues in legal, policy and governance contexts.

When and where?

15 October 2026, 8:00 to 12:00 SAST  

This course will be held remotely, most likely on Zoom - exact details will be sent to registered participants a few days before the course.

Course outline

This course explores the legal regulation of customary marriages under South African law, situating the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998 within its constitutional and socio-legal context. It examines the requirements for validity, challenges relating to proof and registration, matrimonial property regimes, the rights and status of spouses, particularly women, and the dissolution of customary marriages. 

The course engages with recent Constitutional Court jurisprudence, and ongoing law reform initiatives. Practical implications for legal practitioners, employers, HR professionals, state institutions and policymakers are highlighted throughout.

Who will benefit from this course?

Legal practitioners, candidate attorneys, court and government officials and policymakers, NGOs, researchers, and professionals working in family law, succession, social security and customary law contexts.

Presenter

Fatima Osman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Private Law at the University of Cape Town. Her research and teaching focus on customary law, and she has published extensively on customary marriages in South Africa.

How much?

R2,640 per person

Certificate

A digital certificate of attendance from UCT will be issued to those who attend the full course.

Please note that the digital certificate can only be viewed on a secure portal. It cannot be downloaded or printed. You will have the option of ordering a hard copy of the certificate at your own cost, including the cost of the courier fee. More information is available here.

SIGN UP HERE: Customary marriage in South Africa: Current law, developments and practical implications | UCT Law at Work