QUICK GUIDE TO BECOMING A MARRIAGE OFFICER IN SOUTH AFRICA

1. Affiliation with a religious institution

You must be a minister of religion or affiliated with a recognised religious denomination/organisation. The organisation must already be approved by the Department of Home Affairs or be willing to apply for approval and be included in the database.

 
2. Submit your application

Apply through your religious body with:

  • Full names and ID copy
  • Physical and postal address
  • Contact details
  • Nearest Home Affairs office where you will submit the marriage registers

If your religious denomination/organisation is not yet approved, submit:

  • A signed copy of the organisation’s Constitution (preferably in English)
  • Contact details of the chairperson and executive officer

 

3. Prepare for the exam

  • Once your application is received, Home Affairs will send study materials;
  • You have up to six months to prepare;
  • The pass mark is 75%
  • If you pass, Home Affairs will issue your designation letter
  • If not, you can reapply and retake the examination

 

4. Receive designation

Upon passing, you will receive a designation letter under the Marriage Act or Civil Union Act.

 

5. Maintain your status

  • You will be assigned a file at your local Home Affairs office to track your activities and correspondence;
  • Your religious body must notify Home Affairs of any changes i.e. address,resignation, suspension, expulsion or death.

 

6. Home Affairs contacts

Applications can be emailed or hand delivered to the Head Office or any nearest Home Affairs office:

 

ATTENTION: MARRIAGE SECTION

Department of Home Affairs
184 Jeff Masemola Street
Pretoria Central
Pretoria
0001

 

Koena Kgongwana
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ cell: 066 588 3161

Annah Rametsi
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ cell: 066 290 3295