Residents of the greater Mopani District Municipality have insisted that the Marriage Bill make stronger provisions to regulate marriages between South Africans and foreign nationals. The views were shared with the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs during the first of three public participation sessions in Limpopo, held at the Lenyenye Community Hall.
For instance, Mr Thabo Ramalekana argued that there is a worrying trend of foreign nationals marrying South African women, who are driven into it by poverty and unemployment. “Unfortunately, women get married to foreign nationals because of poverty and not aware of the challenges they are entering into. Home Affairs must make sure that there is a timeline to verify the authenticity of a marriage,” Mr Ramalekane said.
Mr Ramalekane emphasised that the grace period for verification would allow the Department of Home Affairs adequate time to verify apostilled letters confirming that foreign nationals are not married in their countries of origin.
Meanwhile, Mr Donald Manganye emphasised this point by suggesting that South Africa has experienced a surge in fraudulent marriages, a challenge the Bill could alleviate. “A legal framework enabling thorough investigation would prevent marriages on the basis of people getting legal status,” he said.
Residents also welcomed the Bill’s proposal to designate traditional leaders as marriage officers, citing the significant role they play in rural communities. However, they strongly argued for stronger collaboration between traditional leadership structures and the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that marriages conducted by traditional leaders are not duplicated under other marriage regimes. Such collaboration, they argued, would help prevent dual marriages that could lead to legal disputes.
Meanwhile, participants supported proposals to raise the minimum age of consent for marriage but argued that 18 years old remains too young. They contended that children should be protected and complete their schooling, before being permitted to enter into marriage.
Strong views were also expressed on same-sex marriages. The majority of participants argued that such unions contradict their religious beliefs and cultural norms. However, other participants disagreed, noting that same-sex marriages are protected under the Constitution and that all South Africans have the right to choose whom they love and marry.
Some participants further expressed support for the Bill because it seeks to ensure that customary marriages enjoy equal status with civil marriages. There was also support for polygamous marriages, provided that men can demonstrate their ability to financially support multiple spouses.
The committee is today holding hearings in Thohoyandou and will on Thursday, 5 February, hold hearings in Groblersdal. The Limpopo hearings are the final provincial public hearings, following a similar process in all eight other provinces in 2025.
Malatswa Molepo
3 February 2026
Arrange a tour