Surge in underage marriages a worry

THE Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is concerned about the increase in child marriages in the country, especially during the festive season.

CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi said the recent report released by Statistics South Africa on underage marriages in the country “pointed to a bleak future for many girls, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape”.

“But the phenomenon is not these provinces only.

“We are also equally aware that these underage marriages tend to increase during the festive season due to the availability of extra cash from bonuses.

“The CGE is also concerned at the incidence of underage arranged marriages within certain religious communities.

“Underage girls below the permissible age of 18 are either engaged to be married by their parents or are actually married in contravention of the law,” Baloyi pointed out.

In the report, more than 91 000 girls in South Africa between the ages of 12 and 17 are married, divorced, separated, widowed, or living with a partner as husband and wife, with the latter forming the majority of the group.

KwaZulu-Natal ranks the highest of the provinces with as many as 25 205 girls. Gauteng was second with 15 929, the report stated.

“As a result of such practices, which normally take place in rural communities and some churches, girls below the age of 18 are either abducted, committed or forced into marriage in violation of their constitutional rights and South African legislation, with d i s a s t r o us impact on their education, health and emo-

These young girls, mostly in the rural areas, face bleak future

tional well-being.

“Underage marriages are illegal and it is incumbent upon all of us as citizenry to ensure that we end them,” Baloyi added.

He said the commission, working with various stakeholders, including the police and the National Prosecuting Authority, had previously rescued girl children in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, among other provinces.

“Unfortunately, we could not save one girl who, after being forced into a marriage while she wanted to further her education, committed suicide.

“In the Eastern Cape we have worked with traditional leaders, particularly in the Lusikisiki area, to help stop the scourge, which was going on unabated.

“Lots of girls were saved through intervention.

“Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) talks about the empowering of girls.

“This can only help if we ensure that child marriages are stopped.

“Parents, guardians or those who facilitate these marriages must be arrested and face the full might of the law,” Baloyi said.

He called on those who were licensed to marry to “desist from contravening the constitution by marrying children”.

“Any licensed marriage officer participating in the marrying of underage girls must face the full might of the law, as this is in contravention of the constitution and prohibited under the Marriage Act.

“The Department of Home Affairs’ officials must ensure that those they marry are of age,” he said.

Baloyi urged members of the public to report all underage marriages, acts of gender-based violence and abuse by calling 0800 007 709. @smashaba