Recognition of Customary Marriages Act
GRACE PERIOD FOR REGISTRATION OF CUSTOMARY MARRIAGES:
Section 4(3)(b) of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998 states that a customary marriage entered into after the commencement of the Act must be registered within a period of three months after conclusion of the marriage or within a longer period as the minister may from time to time prescribe by Notice in the Gazette.
The Minister of Home Affairs released a notice on 29 October 2024 affording parties who are married in terms of customary law until 31 August 2026 to register their customary marriages which are not yet registered.
In other words, any customary marriages entered into after 15 November 2000 which have not been registered at Home Affairs, must be registered by no later than 31 August 2026. We implore couples to take this opportunity to register their customary marriages
Shani van Niekerk
ARIPO advances Digital IP Services in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone recently hosted an ARIPO Online Services Sensitisation Workshop aimed at increasing awareness and adoption of digital intellectual property services. The workshop, organised in collaborat...
July 16 2026
OAPI strengthens international cooperation at Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO, 2026
The African Intellectual Property Organisation (OAPI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation and fostering innovation across its 17 member states during the 68th Seri...
July 16 2026
Kenyan High Court strikes down directive affecting intellectual property administration
In a landmark judgment delivered on 29 June 2026, the Kenyan High Court has nullified the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry’s directive of 30 September 2025, which sought to require Ke...
July 16 2026