In terms of the Marriage Act, 1961 (Act No. 25 of 1961) and the Civil Union Act, 2006 (Act No. 17 of 2006)
The Department of Home Affairs may designate ministers of religion and persons holding responsible positions within recognised religious denominations or organisations as Marriage Officers.
The application process consists of three phases:
PHASE 1: APPLICATION
Who may apply?
Applicants must:
• Be a minister of religion or hold a responsible position within a recognised religious organisation;
• Be formally nominated and recommended by the controlling body of the religious denomination or organisation;
• Be a South African citizen or a lawfully admitted foreign national;
• Possess a valid work permit or permanent residence permit (foreign nationals only);
• Be willing to undergo prescribed training and assessment; and
• Submit all required supporting documents.
Religious Organisation Requirements
• The religious denomination or organisation must:
• Be a bona fide religious institution;
• Have an established controlling body;
• Operate within the Republic of South Africa;
• Have a constitution, founding document or recognised governing structure; and
• Be able to provide proof of existence upon request.
Required Documents
Applicant Documents
• Certified copy of Identity Document or Passport;
• Proof of lawful residence, permanent residence permit or valid work permit (foreign nationals only).
Religious Organisation Documents (where requested)
• Constitution, founding document or governing document;
• Statement of faith;
• Aims and objectives;
• Details of the current leader and executive officer;
• Membership register reflecting a minimum of 250 members.
Recommendation by the Controlling Body
The controlling body of the religious denomination or organisation must submit applications.
The recommendation letter must:
• Be on the organisation's official letterhead;
• Be signed by the authorised head or representative;
• Include the applicant's details, position, area of operation and motivation for designation.
Submit Your Application
The completed Request for Designation Form, recommendation letter and supporting documents must be emailed to:
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Applications submitted directly by individuals without the endorsement of the controlling body may not be considered.
PHASE 2: TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT
Following a preliminary evaluation of the application, qualifying applicants may be referred to the Department's Learning Provisioning Unit.
Applicants will be required to:
• Attend prescribed Marriage Officer Training; and
• Successfully complete a written assessment.
Training and assessment cover:
• The Marriage Act, 1961 and/or Civil Union Act, 2006;
• Marriage regulations and prescribed forms;
• Marriage registration procedures;
• Legal responsibilities of Marriage Officers;
• Record keeping and reporting requirements.
PHASE 3: DESIGNATION
The Department will evaluate the outcome of the assessment together with all information submitted during the application process.
Applicants who successfully meet all requirements may be designated as Marriage Officers in terms of:
• Section 3 of the Marriage Act, 1961; or
• Section 5 of the Civil Union Act, 2006.
Successful applicants will receive written confirmation of their designation.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Submission of an application does not guarantee designation.
• Incomplete applications may result in delays or rejection.
• Additional information may be requested at any stage of the process.
• Training and assessment must be successfully completed before designation can be considered.
• Designation remains subject to approval by the Department of Home Affairs.
DOWNLOADABLE APPLICATION FORM
Request for Designation as a Marriage Officer
DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM
The application form must be completed and submitted together with the required supporting documents.
The form includes:
1. Applicant Particulars
2. Religious Organisation Particulars
3. Recommendation by the Controlling Body
4. Supporting Documents Checklist
5. Applicant Declaration
6. Controlling Body Declaration
7. Departmental Use Only
CONTACT US
Marriage Officers Unit
Department of Home Affairs
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