Draft Marriage Bill leads to some confusion in KZN
A marriage officer in KZN has called for clarification on the roles and responsibilities of registered officiants under the Draft Marriage Bill.
Public hearings got underway in KZN this week, with residents in Ulundi preparing to have their say on Tuesday.
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs says the proposed legislation aims to create a unified Marriage Act, which will recognise all customary and religious unions.
The bill prohibits marriages involving children and requires both prospective spouses to be 18 years or older.
Marriage officer Magaba Ngubane shared his thoughts on the bill at hearings in Jozini on Monday.
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"If these laws are all under one umbrella, how are we going to function? Our consciences do not allow us to accept all these forms of marriage.
"Another thing that I wanted to ask for clarification on is the form used for marriages. I want to suggest that the form be amended or updated so that those who want to marry under the community of property and those who don't want that can also have the option to do so."
Durban's hearings at the Umkhumbaan Community Hall] take place on Wednesday.
During the feedback session in Gauteng, some participants called for the legal age of marriage to be raised to 21.
They also asked for more protection for unmarried couples living together.
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