Umgcaki – some MPs MPs against 21-day notice before customary marriage

LOBAMBA – The report of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Portfolio Committee on the Marriages Bill, 2022 entails that there should be a 21-day notice before one marries traditionally.

Clause 37(1) of the Bill depicts that parties intending to proceed under Section 36 shall, in a prescribed form, give notice of their intention to convert their marriage to the registrar and display the notice for a period of 21 days in a conspicuous place at the regional administration offices, centre and on the premises of the umphakatsi at which the parties reside.

Clause 30(2) of the Bill depicts that a person who knows of any just ground why a customary marriage should not take place may, within 21 days of intention to marry, make an objection against the marriage to the registrar, in writing or orally, stating the grounds of the objection.

Dvokodvweni MP Mduduzi Magagula submitted that there was absolutely no reason for the 21 days notice because a lot could happen between the issuance of the notice and the day of the marriage.

He made an example that the young generation, whom he referred to as ema-2000, would disappear into thin air before the marriage proceeded.

“21 days is too much, lama2000 ungawakhandza angekho abalekile. If there is a strong need for it to be there, let it at least be a week,” he shared.

MP Mfanawemakhosi submitted that it could even spark jealousy on one’s enemies and they could do anything to jeopardise the marriage, while the couple awaited the lapse of the 21 days.