According to the department, the marriage certificates officially recognise the “type of marriage” as Muslim.

At a fee of R20 ($1.13), clients can request a reprint of their marriage certificate specifying that they wish to change the wording to reflect that it is a Muslim marriage.

Chairperson for the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET), Dr Faisal Suliman, welcomed the change.

“A Muslim marriage, what would have previously just been a religious marriage referred to as a Nikah, can go to Home Affairs with some documentation and register this marriage and unless there is an anti-nuptial contract, This would automatically become a community of property so I think that is important, without a contract, the marriage when you do convert would be in community of property.”

--SABC--