09 October 2019
 
The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is scheduled to host a dialogue with traditional leaders on the development of South Africa’s marriage policy, on 11 October 2019, in Durban. The purpose of the dialogue is to engage with traditional leaders on how best to embrace cultural practices in the marriage law while observing Constitutional values of equality, non-discrimination and human dignity. It will also consider the role that traditional leaders could play in the solemnization and registration of marriages.
 
The Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders, Ikosi SE Mahlangu, is scheduled to address the dialogue on the role of Traditional Councils on Home Affairs Services. Also expected to address the Dialogue is the Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial House of Traditional leaders, Inkosi PDH Chiliza. This dialogue, to be attended by Members of the House of Traditional Leaders and other key role-players, will enable government to reflect on critical issues impacting on the role of traditional leaders and on the realisation of cultural rights in marriage law and practice.
 
The theme for the dialogue with traditional leaders is “Laying a solid legal foundation for a marriage policy that is responsive to the South African realities, where customary and civil law co-exist”. This dialogue follows the Minister’s engagements with religious leaders and gender and human rights activists, respectively. Further engagements are to be held with CONTRALESA, Khoi’San leaders, academics and NGOs in October and November 2019.
 
Members of the media are invited as follows:
 
Date: Friday, 11 October 2019
Time: 09h00
Venue: Hilton Hotel, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
 
For Media Confirmations:
Thabo Mokgola on 060 962 4982 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 For Media Enquiries:
Siya Qoza – 082 898 1657 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (spokesperson for the Minister of Home Affairs)
David Hlabane – 071 342 4284 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (media manager for the Department of Home Affairs)
ISSUED BY DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS